Holiday Honeycrisp Salad

Introduction

This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad quickly became a favorite in our household, especially during the holiday season. The combination of crisp, juicy Honeycrisp apples with the richness of blue cheese, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries is simply irresistible. What really makes this salad stand out, though, is the homemade apple cider vinaigrette—it’s tangy, sweet, and the perfect complement to the salad’s vibrant flavors. Every time I’ve made it, my family has loved it, and I’ve often had guests ask for the recipe. It’s the ideal dish for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any dinner party—both beautiful and full of delicious contrasts.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad

This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad is everything you could want in a side dish: colorful, fresh, and bursting with flavors and textures. The Honeycrisp apples bring a satisfying crunch and sweetness, while the tangy blue cheese and savory pecans balance everything out perfectly. The dried cranberries (or cherries, if you prefer) add a little tartness and chewiness that complements the salad’s refreshing greens. The apple cider vinaigrette ties everything together with a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Best of all, this salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an easy yet elegant addition to any holiday table.

Ingredients

For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

• ½ cup light vegetable oil (such as sunflower, safflower) or extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup unsweetened apple juice or apple cider
• 2–3 tablespoons honey (depending on desired sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

• 3 medium Honeycrisp apples (about 1 pound), thinly sliced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 12 ounces salad greens (spring mix, baby spinach, arugula, baby romaine, or a combination)
• 1 cup pecan halves (toasted or candied)
• ¾ cup dried cranberries or dried cherries
• 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese

Instructions

1. Make the Vinaigrette:

To make the vinaigrette, combine all of the ingredients in a mason jar. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture is well blended. Alternatively, you can whisk the ingredients together in a bowl, or blend them in a mini food processor or blender for a smoother consistency. The honey and apple cider vinegar give this vinaigrette a nice balance of sweetness and tang.

2. Prepare the Apples:

To prevent the apples from browning, place the thinly sliced apples in a large plastic bag. Add the juice of half a lemon to the bag, seal it, and shake the apples to coat them with the lemon juice. This step not only helps with the color but also adds a little zing to the apples.

3. Assemble the Salad:

In a large serving bowl, layer the salad greens, apple slices, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled blue cheese. Arrange the layers in a visually appealing manner so the colors pop—this will make the salad even more inviting to guests.

4. Dress and Toss:

Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of apple cider vinaigrette over the salad. Toss everything together gently until all of the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8 to 10
• Calories per serving: 280 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 19g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 170mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve

This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad makes a stunning addition to your dinner table, and here’s how you can serve it:

• As a Side Salad: Serve it alongside your main dishes, especially roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or ham.
• On Buffet Tables: This salad is perfect for holiday buffet spreads. Its vibrant colors make it stand out and its fresh flavors are sure to be a hit.
• As a Light Lunch: If you want to keep it simple, enjoy it as a light lunch by adding some grilled chicken or turkey breast on top.
• With a Bread Basket: Pair this salad with a fresh, crusty bread or soft rolls to round out a light but satisfying meal.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dressing and the apple slices ahead of time, then toss the salad just before serving.

Additional Tips

1. Choose Fresh, Crunchy Apples: Honeycrisp apples are ideal for this salad, but if you can’t find them, feel free to use other crisp apples like Gala or Fuji.
2. Toast the Pecans for Extra Flavor: Toasting the pecans in a dry pan for a few minutes enhances their flavor and adds a bit of warmth to the salad.
3. Sweeten the Vinaigrette to Taste: Depending on how sweet you like your dressing, adjust the amount of honey. You can also use maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
4. Substitute the Blue Cheese: If you don’t love blue cheese, try goat cheese or feta as a milder alternative.
5. Add Grilled Chicken or Turkey: To make the salad a main dish, add some grilled chicken or turkey for extra protein. It’s also a great way to use up holiday leftovers!

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and slice the apples ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to keep the greens fresh.

2. Can I use a different type of vinegar in the dressing?
Yes, if you prefer a different flavor, you can use balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar in place of the apple cider vinegar.

3. How long will this salad last in the fridge?
The salad is best served fresh, but it will last for 1-2 days in the fridge if stored separately from the dressing. Just keep in mind that the greens may wilt over time.

4. Can I add more fruit?
Absolutely! Pears, oranges, or pomegranate seeds would also be great additions to this salad for extra flavor and color.

5. Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even candied walnuts for a different twist.

6. Can I make the vinaigrette without honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a different sweetener.

7. How do I keep the apples from browning?
Tossing the apple slices with lemon juice as instructed will help prevent browning. You can also soak them in a solution of water and lemon juice.

8. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that the dressing ingredients are gluten-free if you’re using store-bought items.

9. Can I use pre-cut apples?
While it’s better to cut apples fresh for texture and flavor, pre-cut apples can work in a pinch, just make sure to coat them with lemon juice to prevent browning.

10. How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, you can add grilled chicken, turkey, or even roasted squash for a heartier option.

Conclusion

This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad is the perfect addition to any holiday table. Its combination of crisp apples, tangy blue cheese, crunchy pecans, and sweet dried cranberries will have your guests coming back for seconds. The homemade apple cider vinaigrette is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, elevating the entire salad. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, so you won’t be stressed about getting it just right. Whether you’re serving it at Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any dinner party, this salad is guaranteed to impress!

Print