Mediterranean Crispy Apple Pecan Blue Cheese Salad with Mixed Greens, Honey Vinaigrette & Dried Cranberries

🥗 Mediterranean Crispy Apple Pecan Blue Cheese Salad

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad

• 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, spinach)

• 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), thinly sliced

• 1/3 cup pecans (toasted or candied)

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

• 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles

Optional Crunch (Crispy Apples)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp honey

• Pinch of cinnamon

For the Honey Vinaigrette

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 1/2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt & black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Crispy Apples (Optional but Recommended)
   Heat a skillet over medium heat.
   Add olive oil, apple slices, honey, and cinnamon.
   Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly caramelized. Let cool slightly.

2. Prepare Vinaigrette
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, honey, vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

3. Assemble Salad
   In a large bowl, add mixed greens.
   Top with apples, pecans, dried cranberries, and blue cheese.

4. Dress & Serve
   Drizzle with honey vinaigrette just before serving.
   Toss gently and serve immediately.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use a different cheese instead of blue cheese?
A: Yes—feta or goat cheese are great substitutes.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Prep ingredients separately and assemble just before serving for best freshness.

Q: Is this salad vegetarian?
A: Yes, it’s completely vegetarian.

Q: How can I add protein?
A: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

Q: Can I make the dressing sugar-free?
A: Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener or omit it for a tangier vinaigrette.