When spring arrives, I want to forgo the heavy casseroles and start eating lighter dinners and lots of yummy salads. One of my favorites and a go-to during the spring and summer is this Cranberry, Apple, & Pecan Salad.
You can easily tweak it to your liking by adding different fruits or cheeses, but I love just as it is! I hope you do too!
Cranberry, Apple & Pecan Salad
Step One: Spring Mix
First, start with a spring mix. It calls for 12 oz., but you can add as much as you like.
Step Two: Apples, Pecans, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese
I usually use two large Fiji apples and slice them thinly. You can also use Gala or any apple of your choosing. Again, you can add as much as your heart desires. The same goes for pecans, cranberries, and blue cheese. I'll give you specific measurements below; however, I never go by the directions. I usually add what I feel that day!
Also, some people (I feel sorry for them) don't like blue cheese! That's okay; I still love them. For blue cheese haters, you can replace it with a different cheese you like or skip it altogether and feel good about yourself for saving a lot of calories!
Step Three: Dressing
I love this tangy dressing. Combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, vinegar, and salt and pepper in a jar. Once combined, shake it well.
I use all the dressing, but use as much as you like!
Even though this salad is probably a million calories, you can still pat yourself on the back for eating a salad. Salad always sounds better than saying you ate a hamburger and french fries! (wink)
You can make it by itself for a light lunch, add a grilled protein on the top, or make it as a side dish for dinner.
Ingredients:
12 oz. Salad Greens (Spring Mix)
2 whole Apples, Slice Thin
1/2 c. Pecan Halves (I use a TON more)
1/4 c. Dried Cranberries (Again, I always add more)
6 oz. Blue Cheese (I Buy the Already Crumbed and Use the Whole Container...Whoa Nelly)
1 heaping tbsp. Dijon Mustard
1 tbsp. Maple Syrup
1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 c. Olive Oil
Salt And Pepper
I hope you get a chance to make this easy, delicious salad! If you do, please send me a picture on Instagram @theoldrivernest or email me at theoldrivernest@gmail.com.
I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday, friend,
amber :)