Apple And Toasted Pecan Salad With Honey Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Joan's award-winning Apple & Toasted Pecan Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory! This recipe features crisp apples, crunchy toasted pecans, and a luscious honey poppy seed dressing. Easily customizable to your liking, this salad makes a light lunch or a hearty main course with the addition of grilled chicken or other protein. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 593.6 kcal
Protein 16g
Rating 5.0 (8 Reviews)
Apple And Toasted Pecan Salad With Honey Poppy Seed Dressing 24

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Apple And Toasted Pecan Salad With Honey Poppy Seed Dressing

  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Red Onion
  • Feta Cheese
  • Dried Cranberries
  • Fuji Apple
  • ½ cup pecan halves
  • Cider Vinegar
  • Vegetable Oil
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • Pepper

How to Make Apple And Toasted Pecan Salad With Honey Poppy Seed Dressing

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast ½ cup pecan halves on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of mixed greens, 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended) cored and thinly sliced, ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional), and ½ cup toasted pecans.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Just before serving, pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Serve immediately. For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, grilled shrimp, or chickpeas.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

14 g

Sugar

122g

Fat

46g

Carbs

12g