Fresh Apple Pecan Salad Pickle (Print View)

Crisp apples and toasted pecans tossed with pickle vinaigrette create a tangy, refreshing salad blend.

# Components:

→ Salad Components

01 - 2 medium crisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
02 - 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
03 - 4 cups mixed salad greens
04 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

→ Pickle Vinaigrette

06 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
07 - 2 tablespoons pickle brine
08 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tablespoon honey
10 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Allow to cool completely.
02 - In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the chopped dill pickles, pickle brine, Dijon mustard, honey, extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well emulsified.
03 - In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, thinly sliced apples, cooled toasted pecans, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese (if utilizing).
04 - Generously drizzle the prepared pickle vinaigrette over the assembled salad. Gently toss to ensure all components are coated. Serve promptly.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 20 minutes for a quick weeknight side
  • Uses simple ingredients with one surprising twist
  • Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors
  • Easily adaptable for different dietary needs
02 -
  • Perfect for meal prep when components are stored separately
  • Excellent source of heart healthy fats from pecans and olive oil
  • Versatile enough to serve as a light lunch or elegant dinner side
03 -
  • Toast extra pecans when preparing this recipe and store them for quick access to this flavor-boosting ingredient. Properly toasted nuts make all the difference in salads, adding depth that raw nuts simply cannot provide.
  • For the vinaigrette, use the emulsion technique of whisking continuously while adding oil very slowly to create a dressing that clings perfectly to each ingredient rather than pooling at the bottom of your bowl.
  • When selecting apples, choose varieties that offer both sweetness and acidity. A combination of different apple types creates the most interesting flavor profile, such as tart Granny Smith paired with sweeter Honeycrisp or Fuji.
  • Remember that a truly great salad is about balance in every bite, so take care when cutting ingredients to ensure they're appropriately sized for forkfuls that include multiple elements.
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