There’s something truly special about the crisp bite of fresh apples paired with the buttery crunch of toasted pecans, all brought together by a cozy drizzle of maple vinaigrette. Last Thanksgiving, I tossed together this Apple Pecan Salad at the last minute, expecting a simple side—what I got was a flavor-packed sensation that stole the show. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty with just enough tang to brighten your plate. Whether you’re craving a fresh break from heavy dishes or want to impress your guests with something both elegant and effortless, this salad checks every box. Let me show you how to make this vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that’s destined to become a Thanksgiving tradition in your home too!
Why love Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Salad?
Fresh flavors burst with every bite thanks to crisp apples and toasted pecans. Effortless elegance means you spend less time prepping and more time enjoying company. Maple vinaigrette magic adds the perfect sweet-tart tang to brighten your meal. Versatile and vibrant, it complements heavier dishes and impresses any crowd. A healthy twist brings a refreshing balance to your Thanksgiving feast.
Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette Ingredients
For the Salad
- Fresh apples – Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the perfect sweet-tart crunch.
- Toasted pecans – Toasting deepens their buttery flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Mixed greens – Use a vibrant mix like baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix for freshness and color.
- Dried cranberries – These bring a chewy sweetness that complements the apples and pecans perfectly.
For the Maple Vinaigrette
- Pure maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness and a rich, warm depth that highlights the salad’s flavors.
- Apple cider vinegar – Provides the tangy punch that balances the sweetness in the dressing.
- Dijon mustard – Helps emulsify the vinaigrette while adding a subtle spicy note.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Use good quality oil for a smooth, fruity finish.
- Salt and black pepper – Season to taste; these simple staples enhance all the ingredients.
This Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette is a symphony of textures and flavors that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable holiday side!
How to Make Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
- Toast Pecans: Preheat a skillet, toast pecans over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown, about 5 minutes, shaking pan often to prevent burning. Cool slightly.
- Prep Greens and Apples: Wash and dry mixed greens; core and thinly slice apples, leaving skins on for color; gently pat dry to avoid watering.
- Make Maple Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper; then slowly stream in extra virgin olive oil until smooth.
- Toss Salad: In a large bowl, combine greens, apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans; drizzle vinaigrette and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Serve: Transfer salad to a platter, lightly season with salt and pepper, garnish with extra pecans or cranberries, and serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures.
Optional: Add crumbled goat cheese for creamy contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time on the big day! You can prep the toasted pecans and maple vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain crispness and flavor. Additionally, wash and dry the mixed greens up to 24 hours ahead, keeping them in a dry, sealed container to prevent wilting. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice the apples (to prevent browning, consider tossing them in a little lemon juice), mix all the salad ingredients in a bowl, drizzle the vinaigrette, and toss gently for a fresh, vibrant dish that will delight your guests with minimal last-minute effort!
Expert Tips for Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Salad
- Choose crisp apples: Opt for Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to keep the salad crunchy and prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Toast pecans carefully: Watch closely and stir often to avoid burning, which can turn their flavor bitter instead of buttery.
- Dry ingredients well: Ensure greens and apples are thoroughly dried to prevent the maple vinaigrette from watering down the salad.
- Whisk vinaigrette slowly: Add olive oil gradually to create a smooth, well-emulsified dressing that coats every bite perfectly.
- Toss gently: Mix salad components lightly to keep apples and pecans intact, preserving their vibrant texture and visual appeal.
Variations & Substitutions for Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Salad
Feel free to explore these delightful variations to make this salad your own and elevate its flavors!
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Nut-Free: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option that still delivers satisfying crunch and flavor.
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Vegan Vinaigrette: Swap pure maple syrup with agave nectar to create a vegan-friendly dressing without losing sweetness.
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Fruit Fusion: Add slices of pear or pomegranate seeds to give the salad a unique twist and extra bursts of flavor.
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Cheesy Delight: Crumble feta or blue cheese on top for a rich and tangy balance that enhances the salad’s complexity.
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Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a fiery twist that complements the sweetness of the apples.
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Greens Variety: Substitute mixed greens with kale or romaine for a different texture and added health benefits.
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Dried Fruit Options: Use dried cherries or apricots in place of cranberries for an alternative sweetness and chewier texture.
The spirit of Thanksgiving is all about sharing and enjoying moments with loved ones, so don’t hesitate to add your personal touch to this beautiful dish!
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?
Creating a joyful holiday spread is easy when you pair this vibrant salad with delightful accompaniments that enhance its fresh flavors.
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Roasted Turkey: Nothing says Thanksgiving like a perfectly roasted turkey. The savory, juicy meat beautifully complements the sweet-tart salad.
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Cranberry Sauce: A classic festive side, tart cranberry sauce adds a pop of acidity that accentuates the salad’s flavor profile and brings joyful color to the table.
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Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey and balsamic vinegar bring a delightful contrast in flavor and texture that harmonizes perfectly with salad.
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Savory Stuffing: Rich, herb-infused stuffing offers a hearty counterbalance, creating a comforting plate that feels like a warm embrace.
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Pumpkin Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of spiced pumpkin pie. The warm spices play off the salad’s freshness, completing the Thanksgiving experience beautifully.
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Sparkling Apple Cider: Light and bubbly, sparkling apple cider is a festive beverage choice that echoes the apple notes in your salad while refreshing the palate.
Experiment with these pairings, and you’ll craft a memorable and harmonious Thanksgiving feast!
How to Store and Freeze Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Salad
- Fridge: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the vinaigrette separate to maintain crispness.
- Freezer: It’s best not to freeze this salad, as apples and greens lose their texture once thawed. Enjoy fresh for optimal flavor!
- Reheating: If you have leftover vinaigrette, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before using to re-emulsify.
Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the best flavor and texture?
For the ultimate crispness and balance of sweet and tart, choose apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. These varieties hold their crunch well and add a refreshing bite that complements the pecans and dressing beautifully.
How long can I store leftover salad and vinaigrette safely?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh and crisp, keep the maple vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to serve. The vinaigrette itself can be refrigerated for up to one week—just give it a good shake before using.
Can I freeze the Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The apples and mixed greens lose their texture and become soggy upon thawing, which diminishes the salad’s fresh and crunchy appeal. Instead, enjoy this salad fresh or store chilled for a short time as suggested.
What’s the best way to toast pecans without burning?
Toast pecans over medium heat in a dry skillet, stirring or shaking the pan every minute or so. This even cooking prevents burning and brings out their rich, buttery flavor without bitterness. When you start to smell their nutty aroma and see a golden brown hue, they’re perfectly toasted—usually about 5 minutes.
Is this salad suitable for people with nut allergies or pets?
Because this salad features toasted pecans, it isn’t safe for anyone with nut allergies and should be kept away from pets, especially dogs, as nuts can be toxic to them. If you need a nut-free version, consider substituting with crunchy seeds like roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Easy Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toast Pecans: Preheat a skillet, toast pecans over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown, about 5 minutes, shaking pan often to prevent burning. Cool slightly.
- Prep Greens and Apples: Wash and dry mixed greens; core and thinly slice apples, leaving skins on for color; gently pat dry to avoid watering.
- Make Maple Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper; then slowly stream in extra virgin olive oil until smooth.
- Toss Salad: In a large bowl, combine greens, apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans; drizzle vinaigrette and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Serve: Transfer salad to a platter, lightly season with salt and pepper, garnish with extra pecans or cranberries, and serve immediately.
