A Modern & Tasty Spin on Salad
Mixed Greens Salad Infused with Spiced Pecans, Apples, and Honey Dressing
Partnering with the fresh, foodie blog The Jew & The Carrot, we've whipped up a delectable High Holidays recipe that's simple yet mouth-watering—perfect for those no-fuss occasions! Rachel Harkham's Spiced Pecan and Apple Salad with Honey Vinaigrette is the treasure trove of effortless side salads.
This delightful take on a salad dish was featured in our Hanukkah Recipes photo gallery.
(Yields: 6-8 servings) | (Difficulty: Easy) | (Total Time: 35 mins) | (Active Time: 15 mins)
Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- Generous pinch of cayenne
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup pecan halves
- ¼ cup cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6-8 cups assorted salad greens (e.g., baby spinach, arugula)
- 2 medium apples, sliced
The Recipe Breakdown
Step 1: Prep the Spiced Pecans
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and slide that rack into the middle. Mix half of the honey, apple pie spice, cayenne, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl for your assortment of coating. Coat those pecan halves evenly, before spreading them out on a lined baking tray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until honey's bubbling and the pecans are perfectly toasted. Set aside for cooling.
Step 2: Craft the Vinaigrette
- In a small jar or cruet, combine the remaining honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Shake it like a cocktail blender, making sure everything's well integrated. Pour in the olive oil and continue shaking until it's all combined like a homemade dressing.
Step 3: Create Your Masterpiece
- Decorate your serving platter (or individual plates) with your selected salad greens. Sprinkle with apple slices and cooled spiced pecans. Drizzle your masterpiece with that fresh honey vinaigrette and indulge!
Insights
If you're seeking inspiration for a similar Spiced Pecan and Apple Salad with Honey Vinaigrette, consider combining a large head of mixed greens (such as arugula or spinach), 2 large apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), 1 cup of spiced pecans (see above for spicing), ½ cup of crumbled blue cheese (optional), and ½ cup of diced red onion. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, then drizzle with our homemade honey vinaigrette.
The Spiced Pecan and Apple Salad with Honey Vinaigrette can also be made with a combination of arugula or spinach, offering a variation on the original recipe for those seeking additional nutrition. This revised salad may be easily found in a Hanukkah Recipes gallery, appealing to those who celebrate the holiday. For a yield of 6 to 8 servings, the required ingredients include specific quantities of honey, apple pie spice, cayenne, pecan halves, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, extra-virgin olive oil, salad greens, apples, and spiced pecans.