If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures, the Apple Pecan Salad with Bacon, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dish perfectly balances crisp apples and crunchy pecans with the savory punch of bacon, the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries, and the rich creaminess of blue cheese. Every forkful sings with freshness and indulgence, making it a fantastic addition to any meal or a satisfying stand-alone delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic in this Apple Pecan Salad with Bacon, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe. Each component brings its own wonderful texture, taste, or vibrant color that will shine through once combined.
- Bacon, 8 slices: Crispy and smoky for that irresistible savory touch.
- Romaine lettuce, 9 ounces: Washed and chopped to add fresh, crunchy greens as a base.
- Granny Smith apple, 1: Tart and refreshing, perfectly balances the richness.
- Pecans, 2/3 cups toasted: Adds a toasty crunch that complements the salad’s texture.
- Dried cranberries, 1/2 cup: Sweet and chewy bursts of flavor throughout.
- Blue cheese, 4 ounces crumbled: Sharp and creamy, it elevates the salad’s depth.
- Orange zest, 1 teaspoon: Bright citrus notes that add a refreshing lift.
- Orange juice, 2 tablespoons: Adds a hint of natural sweetness and acidity to the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons: Tangy base for a well-balanced dressing.
- Dijon mustard, 2 1/2 teaspoons: A subtle kick to enhance the dressing’s complexity.
- Maple syrup, 2 tablespoons: Natural sweetness to perfectly round out the flavors.
- Salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons: Essential for seasoning and bringing all ingredients together.
- Pepper, 1/2 teaspoon: Just a touch for gentle heat.
- Olive oil, 2/3 cup: The silky base of the dressing that melds every ingredient wonderfully.
How to Make Apple Pecan Salad with Bacon, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing
Start by combining apple cider vinegar, freshly grated orange zest, orange juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake energetically until all ingredients are emulsified and the dressing becomes slightly thickened and glossy. This easy yet flavorful dressing is what ties the whole salad together with a burst of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
In your largest salad bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce, crisp granny smith apple pieces, chopped crispy bacon, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled blue cheese. Each of these ingredients offers something special—crunch, sweetness, saltiness, and creaminess—that makes this salad shine.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Give your salad a generous pour of the fresh dressing you just made, starting with a small amount and tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Adjust the dressing quantity as needed, ensuring each bite is flavorful but never soggy. Serve immediately for the best freshness and texture experience.
How to Serve Apple Pecan Salad with Bacon, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle additional chopped pecans or a few whole cranberries on top right before serving. A little sprinkle of extra blue cheese crumbles also amps up the creamy tang that makes this salad unforgettable. Garnishes not only add visual appeal but enhance each bite with new textures and flavors.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a savory quiche for a full meal. Its robust flavors and varied textures complement simply cooked proteins and blend beautifully with warm, crusty bread to sop up any extra dressing leftover on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, consider serving the Apple Pecan Salad with Bacon, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe in individual clear glass bowls or on large platter beds, allowing guests to admire the colorful layers. Another charming idea is to stuff the salad into hollowed-out apple halves for a presentation that’s as fun as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad components separately when possible. Keep the salad greens and toppings in an airtight container in the fridge, while dressing can be stored in a sealed jar. This prevents sogginess and keeps everything tasting fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh since many ingredients like lettuce, apples, and cranberries don’t freeze well. Freezing is not recommended as it can ruin the texture and flavor balance.
Reheating
Because this salad is designed to be served cold and crisp, reheating is not necessary or advised. If you want warm bacon, cook it fresh or gently reheat separately before tossing it back into a fresh batch of salad.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine provides a great crunch, you can substitute with baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, skip the bacon and add extra pecans or roasted chickpeas to maintain some savory texture and crunch. This keeps the salad hearty but meat-free.
How do I toast pecans properly?
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. Let them cool before adding to your salad for maximum crunch.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Definitely! The dressing can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
What other cheeses can I use if I don’t like blue cheese?
Feta or goat cheese are tasty alternatives that still add a creamy, tangy element without the strong bite of blue cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pecan Salad with Bacon, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors and textures that will brighten any table. It’s easy to assemble yet sophisticated in taste, making it perfect for casual lunches or special occasions alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and witness how every bite just captivates your taste buds with joyful harmony.
Print
Apple Pecan Salad with Bacon, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-4.5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A fresh and flavorful Apple Pecan Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, tart Granny Smith apples, crunchy toasted pecans, and savory bacon. Tossed with a zesty orange-maple dressing, this salad perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and salty flavors for a satisfying and vibrant dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 9 ounces romaine lettuce (washed, drained and chopped)
- 1 Granny Smith apple (cored and chopped)
- 2/3 cup pecans (toasted)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 ounces blue cheese (crumbled)
Dressing
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2/3 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a mason jar, combine the apple cider vinegar, grated orange zest, orange juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cooked and chopped bacon, chopped Granny Smith apple, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle with a modest amount of the prepared dressing to taste, then gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- Use freshly cooked bacon for optimal texture and flavor; alternatively, crisp store-bought bacon works as well.
- Adjust dressing quantities or salad ingredients based on personal taste preferences.
- This salad is best served immediately to keep the lettuce crisp and prevent sogginess.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add extra pecans or use smoked almonds for added texture.
