Apple, Cranberry, and Pecan Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette

by Wendy O'Neal on October 8th, 2018 | No Comments »

This Apple, Cranberry, and Pecan Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette is the perfect fall salad by combining fresh greens and traditional fall flavors.

Apple, Cranberry, and Pecan Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette
School is back in session and the end of the year is now fast approaching, which means it's time for all things fudge, peppermint, pumpkin, and cranberry. This fall salad combines two of my favorite fall flavors pumpkin and cranberries. Swap out traditional salad oil for a more fall flavor with pumpkin oil. If you have never heard of it, you need to hunt down a bottle at a nearby health food store or high end grocery store. It will be well worth your time. Plus, the addition of the crunchy sweet apple and creamy tangy goat cheese makes salad one I crave all year long.

This Apple, Cranberry, and Pecan Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette is hearty enough for a meatless Monday meal or an easy side dish with some grilled salmon, but fancy enough to make an appearance on your holiday table.

Ingredients for Apple Pecan Salad and Pumpkin Vinaigrette:

Serves 4-6

5 cups mixed greens
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
2 small apples, cored and diced
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pumpkin oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
2 tbls balsamic vinegar
1-2 tsps sugar
salt and pepper

Directions to Make Your Fall Salad:

1. Combine pumpkin oil, vinegar, sugar, salt & pepper in a mason jar. Screw on lid and shake well to combine. Adjust sugar, salt, & pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, toss together remaining ingredients. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss one last time (you might not use all the dressing).

3. Use pumpkin oil if you can find it. It provides a wonderful flavor and perfect for fall. If you can't find it (usually at high end or natural grocery stores), then substitute with good quality extra virgin olive oil.

What is your favorite fall salad ingredient?

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Wendy O'Neal

Wendy is married to her high school sweetheart, is a mom to 2 children, and lives in Arizona! She shares her family friendly recipes at Around My Family Table. Live threw her a curve ball after a life threatening dairy allergy and wheat allergy emerged in 2012, so now many of her recipes are gluten and dairy free. When she's not cooking find her on Pinterestor Instagram!