Apple Pecan Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Why not make a fall salad in early summer? I mean, doesn't everyone think that make sense.

See, when I'm trying to eat better, salads become a go to meal for me. And I get bored with my salads so I try to find something different. THIS salad was amazing. Everything about it I loved. 

What I didn't love was pairing it with Chicken Shawarma. 

I did not make the candied pecans from scratch. Why? You can buy them already "candied" in the grocery store so I do that. Its easier and faster. 

The vinaigrette was amazing. I haven't made many vinaigrettes with apple cider vinegar and I was worried it would be a little too tangy. And it was, but in a good way. You don't need a lot of the dressing either. 

Apple Pecan Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Recipe from Southern Bite

Serves 4

• 1 (11-ounce) package spring mix
• 3 Crisp Apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 4 to 6-ounces blue or gorgonzola cheese crumbles
• 2/3 c dried cranberries

For the Candied Pecans:

• 2 tsp butter
• 1/4 c firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 T water
• 1 c pecan halves
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon

For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

• 2/3 c olive oil
• 1/3 c apple cider vinegar
• 1 T white vinegar
• 3 T fresh lime juice
• 3 T pineapple juice
• 1/4 c honey
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

To make the candied pecans:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small skillet over medium heat, add the butter, brown sugar, salt, and water. Stir until the butter and sugar has melted. Add the pecans and cook, stirring very frequently, for about 3 minutes - being cautious not to allow the mixture to scorch.

Remove from the heat and add the cinnamon. Stir to combine. Spread the pecans on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Allow to cool completely before using on salad.

To make the dressing:

Whisk the oil, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, lime juice, and pineapple juice together. Add the honey, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder and whisk to combine. Set aside.

For the salad:

Add the spring mix to a large bowl and top with the apples, blue cheese, candied pecans, and cranberries. Drizzle with the desired dressing amount, then toss and serve.