“10-Minute Autumn Harvest Salad – A Magical Fall Delight!”

Name: "10-Minute Autumn Harvest Salad – A Magical Fall Delight!"
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups mixed greens; 1 medium apple, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup pecans, chopped; 2 tbsp feta cheese (optional); 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp honey; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Author: lia

Published: August 27, 2025

Autumn Harvest Apple and Cranberry Salad with Pecans

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There’s something magical about that first crisp autumn day when the leaves start turning and I crave fresh, vibrant flavors. That’s when my Autumn Harvest Apple and Cranberry Salad with Pecans makes its seasonal debut in my kitchen! I’ve been making this salad for years—it started as a happy accident when I threw together leftover Thanksgiving ingredients, but now it’s our family’s must-have fall side dish. The combination of sweet-tart apples, jewel-toned cranberries, and toasty pecans just sings of the season. What I love most? It comes together in about 10 minutes flat, letting the natural flavors shine without fuss. Whether you’re hosting Friendsgiving or just need a bright weeknight salad, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and autumn warmth.

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Harvest Apple and Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Oh, where do I even start? This salad is like a little celebration of fall in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that just works, you know? Here’s why it’s become my go-to:

Effortless elegance: Seriously, 10 minutes and you’ve got a stunning salad that looks like you spent hours
Seasonal harmony: Crisp apples, tart cranberries, and earthy pecans – it’s autumn on a plate
Texture party: That perfect crunch from pecans meets juicy apples and chewy cranberries
Dressing dreams: The sweet-tangy cider vinegar dressing ties everything together beautifully
Endless versatility: Fancy enough for holidays, easy enough for Tuesday lunch

Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll be making it all season long!

Ingredients for Autumn Harvest Apple and Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this autumn masterpiece – I’ve made this so many times I could probably recite the list in my sleep!

2 cups mixed greens (I love a combo of baby spinach and arugula for peppery notes)
1 medium apple, thinly sliced (see my apple tips below!)
1/4 cup dried cranberries – the plump, juicy ones work best
1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped (toast ’em for extra magic)
2 tbsp feta cheese (optional, but oh so good when it crumbles over everything)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – the good stuff from the farmer’s market if you can
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey (local if you’ve got it!)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Autumn Harvest Apple and Cranberry Salad with Pecans - detail 1

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Don’t stress if you’re missing something – this salad is super flexible! Here’s how I mix it up:

Apples: Honeycrisp are my favorite for sweetness, but Granny Smith gives a nice tart contrast. Just avoid mealy varieties.

Nuts: Walnuts make a great pecan substitute, or try candied pecans for special occasions.

Cheese: Goat cheese works beautifully instead of feta, or skip it entirely for dairy-free.

Greens: Kale holds up well if you’re making ahead, just massage it first with a bit of the dressing.

See? Plenty of ways to make it your own while keeping that perfect autumn flavor balance!

How to Make Autumn Harvest Apple and Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making this gorgeous salad! I promise it’s even easier than it looks. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bowl full of autumn deliciousness in no time.

Preparing the Salad Base

First things first – give your greens some love! I always wash my mixed greens in cold water, then spin them dry (or pat gently with paper towels). Nobody likes a soggy salad! While those drain, slice your apple nice and thin – about 1/4-inch pieces work perfectly. Pro tip: if you’re prepping ahead, toss those apple slices with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.

Making the Dressing

Now for the magic potion that ties everything together! Grab a small bowl and whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the honey dissolves completely and the dressing looks nice and smooth – about 30 seconds of vigorous whisking should do it. The smell alone will have you drooling!

Assembling the Salad

Time to bring it all together! In a big mixing bowl, combine your greens, apple slices, cranberries, and pecans. Drizzle about half the dressing over top (you can always add more). Gently toss everything with your hands or salad tongs until every leaf gets a little love. Top with feta if you’re using it, and serve immediately while everything’s crisp and fresh. That first bite? Absolute heaven!

Autumn Harvest Apple and Cranberry Salad with Pecans - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Autumn Harvest Apple and Cranberry Salad with Pecans

After making this salad more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “wow!” every single time:

Toast those pecans! Just 5 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat brings out their nutty sweetness. Watch closely – they burn fast! Let them cool before adding to the salad so they stay crisp.

Keep apples fresh-looking by soaking slices in cold water with a squeeze of lemon for 10 minutes before assembling. This trick buys you extra time if you’re prepping ahead for guests.

Dress it right before serving – the greens stay perky and the apples won’t get soggy. If you must prep early, keep dressing separate and toss at the last minute.

Little things make all the difference with this simple-but-special salad!

Serving Suggestions for Autumn Harvest Apple and Cranberry Salad with Pecans

This salad plays so well with others! For cozy weeknights, I love pairing it with creamy butternut squash soup – the sweet and tangy salad cuts through the richness perfectly. At holiday dinners, it’s stunning alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham. And don’t even get me started on how well it complements a juicy pork chop! For a light lunch, just add grilled chicken right into the mix. Honestly, it brightens up any autumn meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s the honest truth – this salad shines brightest when eaten fresh! The apples lose their crispness and greens wilt if stored too long. If you must prep ahead, keep components separate (store sliced apples with lemon water) and assemble just before serving. No reheating needed – it’s meant to be enjoyed cool and crunchy!

Nutritional Information for Autumn Harvest Apple and Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Let’s chat about what’s in this beautiful bowl of autumn goodness! A single serving (about half the recipe) packs around 220 calories with a lovely balance of flavors and nutrients. You’re getting 4g of fiber from all those fresh ingredients, plus healthy fats from pecans and olive oil. Remember, these numbers are estimates – they’ll vary slightly depending on your exact apple size and brand of ingredients. That feta cheese? Totally optional if you’re watching sodium. Either way, it’s a delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this apple cranberry salad ahead of time?
You bet! Just keep the components separate until serving. Prep the greens, dressing, and toppings up to a day in advance (store apples in lemon water). Assemble right before eating – the textures stay perfection this way!

What’s the best apple variety for this autumn salad?
Honeycrisp are my top pick for their crisp sweetness, but Granny Smith adds lovely tartness. Avoid Red Delicious – they get mushy fast. Any firm, crisp apple works beautifully though!

Can I swap the pecans for another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts are my favorite substitute for pecans in this recipe. Toasted almonds would be delicious too. Just steer clear of pine nuts – their flavor competes with the other ingredients.

Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?
Easy-peasy! Simply skip the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative. The salad still tastes amazing with just the apples, cranberries, and pecans shining through.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my absolute favorite way to celebrate autumn in salad form! This recipe has brought so many smiles to my table, and I hope it does the same for yours. Give it a try and let me know what you think – did you discover a new favorite apple variety? Add an unexpected twist? I’d love to hear your delicious experiments in the comments!

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, be sure to check out our Pinterest page!