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apple-pecan-salad
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5 from 1 vote

Apple Pecan Salad

The classic cheddar and apple combo in this salad with balsamic candied pecans on top.
Prep Time35 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time43 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 466kcal

Ingredients

Dressing

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup walnut oil
  • 1 ½ Tbsps champagne vinegar

Candied Pecans

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsps balsamic vinegar
  • 1 ½ cups pecan pieces I like halves

Salad

  • 8 cups romaine lettuce or sturdy greens of your choice
  • 2 red apples unpeeled, diced (store in lemon water to avoid browning)
  • 6 oz old Cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 ½ cups dates finely chopped
  • 4 large shallots finely minced

Instructions

Dressing

  • Mix all dressing ingredients and shake well.

Candied Pecans

  • Mix the sugar and balsamic vinegar in a non-stick skillet. Melt the sugar and vinegar over medium heat then add pecans to coat. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar mix is reduced and syrupy enough to coat the nuts - about 8 minutes but this will vary depending on your heat level and size of pan. Be careful not to burn this mixture.
  • When nuts are thickly coated pour them out in a single layer on a piece of parchment paper to let them cool and harden. Break the nuts apart when they are cool.

Salad

  • Mix all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with dressing and incorporate nuts just before serving.
    Apple Pecan Salad

Notes

Variations:  You can use Hazelnut oil instead of walnut oil.  You can substitute walnuts for the pecans if you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 148mg | Potassium: 502mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 4346IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 202mg | Iron: 2mg