Apples, Pecans, and Feta add up to a perfect winter salad. This tangy Dijon Vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the sweet apples, salty feta, and crunchy pecans in this recipe.
This salad is a twist on my family’s Pear, Pecan, and Blue Cheese Salad. That salad has been a favorite ever since I was a little kid.
A while back, I was in the mood for something a little different, so I mixed things up with some apples and feta this time when I made it.
Apple Feta Salad
I love the ease of a great salad. This Apple Feta makes a perfect last-minute side dish and it can easily be kicked up with a bit of grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef to make a hearty enough main dish for anyone.
This is an easily adapted recipe as well. Don’t have apples? Just substitute pears. Don’t have pecans on hand? Toss in some walnuts or sliced almonds. No feta in the house? Cheddar shreds or blue cheese crumbles work nicely too.
How to make an Apple Pecan Salad
- In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Toast the pecans for a few minutes and then sprinkle with the sugar and salt. Cook one more minute. Watch carefully so they don’t burn. Transfer the nuts to parchment paper to cool.
- Place the torn lettuce in a salad bowl, top with cooled pecans, diced apples and blue cheese. Dress the salad immediately before serving.
Do you have a favorite, go-to salad recipe. I’d love to hear about it. I’m always looking for more salad ideas!
Try Tomato Bacon Pasta with this salad. It is a simple, but elegant pasta recipe with thin capellini pasta tossed with crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes.
The BBQ Meatloaf is always a great dinner plan and it would be great with this salad and some baked or mashed potatoes.
For a restaurant-quality dinner at home (with a minimal amount of effort) give the Perfect Cast Iron Steak a try along with the Apple Feta Salad.
For a lightning-fast lunch or dinner on a busy weekday, pair some French Bread Pizza with a salad and everyone will be thrilled.
Apple, Pecan & Feta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 16 cups romaine, spinach, or a blend of your favorite lettuces
- 3 ripe apples diced
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbles
- Dijon Vinaigrette
Instructions
- In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Toast the pecans for a few minutes and then sprinkle with the sugar and salt. Cook one more minute. Watch carefully so they don't burn. Transfer the nuts to a sheet of parchment paper on the counter and allow them to cool.
- Place the torn lettuce in a salad bowl, top with cooled pecans, diced apples and feta. Dress the salad immediately before serving.
Nutrition
{originally published 1/25/19 – recipe notes and photos updated 2/1/22}
Andrew says
The title is Feta and the instructions state blue cheese😳
Mary says
Feta was in the ingredient list but blue cheese was in the instructions. I fixed it, hopefully, it didn’t throw you too much when making it, Andrew.
Annie says
How much of each ingredient for the Dijon dressing? I couldn’t find it anywhere.
Mary says
Here is a link to the Dijon dressing, Annie.
https://chocolatewithgrace.com/healthy-dijon-vinaigrette-recipe/
Kristina Kirby-Brown says
I have the hardest time picking apples for recipes. What kind of apple do you recommend for this salad?
Mary says
Johnathon, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are all great options.
Carroll Richardson says
The instructions say, diced pears, but pears are not on the ingredient list. Please advise.
Mary says
Hi, Carroll! It looks like that might have been a typo on my end. Earlier in the recipe, I said that it would be possible to substitute pears for apples. You should be able to use either apples or pears in the salad without an issue.
Mildred Atchley says
Myself, I would you gala or honey crisp.
Karen says
Sounds delicious
Mary says
I’m glad you like the salad, Karen!
Ingrid says
If you cool hot sticky nuts on paper towels, won’t you be left with paper towel covered candied nuts?
Mary says
Thanks so much for catching that, Ingrid. That should’ve said parchment paper.
Susan E Ironside says
Unable to print!!!!! Wanted to be able to make this!
Mary says
Hi, Susan. In the recipe card, there should be a box labelled “PRINT”. It’s right underneath the description. If you click that box, it will take you to a page where you should be able to print out the recipe without issues. I hope you enjoy the salad!
Debby says
Made the dressing and single serve salads. Loved the flavors. It tastes best when the dressing gets mixed in with all the salad stuff. My husband and I both enjoyed it. Thank you for the recipe! It’s nice that you can feed a crowd or just do a single serving of salad.
Mary says
You’re welcome, Debby. I’m glad to hear that you and your husband both loved the salad. It’s a great recipe for a crowd. Happy cooking!