You’ve seen those sad, wilted salads that look like they gave up on life halfway through the bowl. This isn’t that. This is the fall salad that makes people ask, “Wait, you made this?” It’s crisp, sweet, tangy, and tastes like autumn decided to throw a party in your mouth.

Forget boring greens and sad dressings. This recipe is a flavor explosion—packed with texture, color, and a dressing so good you’ll want to bottle it. It’s the perfect side for a holiday feast or a stunning main course that doesn’t leave you in a food coma. Ready to make a salad that actually gets eaten? Let’s go.

Why This Recipe Works

This salad is a masterclass in balance. Sweet, crisp apples and juicy pears play off salty, creamy feta and crunchy pecans. Every bite is a new combination of flavors and textures.

The apple cider dressing is the star—it’s tangy, slightly sweet, and clings to every leaf without drowning it. It’s also versatile enough to serve with a roast chicken, bring to a potluck, or load up with protein for a full meal. Much like creamy potato and white bean soup, it proves that healthy and comforting can go hand in hand.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 5 oz mixed greens (arugula adds a peppery kick)
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

For the Apple Cider Dressing

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans

Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, shaking often until fragrant. Do not burn them—bitter nuts will ruin your salad.

2. Make the Dressing

Add all dressing ingredients to a mason jar, seal, and shake vigorously. Alternatively, whisk in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Prep the Produce

Thinly slice apple, pear, and red onion. Optional: toss fruit slices with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.

4. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple, pear, red onion, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta.

5. Dress and Serve

Right before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Do not overdress—you can always add more later.

Storage Instructions

Store salad components and dressing separately. The dressing keeps for 1 week in the fridge. Fruits and veggies last 1–2 days in airtight containers. Assemble fresh when ready to serve, similar to mini bagel sandwich stackers which also benefit from last-minute assembly.

Benefits of This Salad

• Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from fresh produce.
• Healthy fats from olive oil, pecans, and feta keep you full.
• Seasonal ingredients for peak flavor and nutrition.
• Works as a side dish or main course when topped with protein.

It’s a nutrient-dense dish that feels indulgent, just like healthy chicken alfredo with broccoli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Dressing too early: Always wait until the last second to avoid soggy greens.
• Choosing bland apples: Skip Red Delicious. Use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady.
• Skipping nut toasting: Unlocks flavor in just 3 minutes—worth it.

Alternatives

No pecans? Use walnuts or pumpkin seeds. Not into feta? Try goat cheese or parmesan. For vegan, use plant-based cheese and swap maple syrup with honey if you’re not strictly vegan.

Want to bulk it up? Add shredded chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa for a protein boost. Similar to spicy beef and bean soup, it’s a recipe that adapts easily to your pantry.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, but store components separately and dress right before serving.

My dressing is too tart. How do I fix it?

Add a touch more maple syrup or a pinch of sugar until balanced.

How do I prevent apples from browning?

Toss slices with a splash of lemon juice to slow oxidation.

Can I substitute apple cider vinegar?

Yes, with white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar. Avoid balsamic—it changes the flavor too much.

Final Thoughts

This apple pear salad with cider dressing isn’t just another salad. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and honestly, a little showy. It’s the perfect fall dish to impress at holiday dinners or brighten weeknight meals. Much like pumpkin bread, it captures the flavors of autumn in every bite.

Apple Pear Salad with Cider Dressing

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• Author: Emily
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This isn’t your average sad salad—it’s the fall salad that makes people say, “Wait, you made this?” Crisp apples, juicy pears, salty feta, and toasted pecans all tossed in a sweet-tangy apple cider dressing. Perfect as a holiday side or a fresh, flavorful main.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 oz mixed greens (arugula adds a peppery kick)
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, shaking often until fragrant. Do not burn.
2. Add all dressing ingredients to a mason jar and shake vigorously, or whisk in a bowl. Adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Thinly slice the apple, pear, and red onion. Optional: toss fruit with lemon juice to prevent browning.
4. In a large bowl, combine greens, apple, pear, red onion, cranberries, pecans, and feta.
5. Right before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Do not overdress.

Notes

Store salad components and dressing separately. Dressing lasts 1 week in the fridge. Assemble just before serving for max freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: fall salad, apple pear salad, cider dressing, holiday salad, healthy salad