Cranberry Apple Pecan Salad

This cranberry apple pecan salad is the perfect side dish to bring to a family get together around the holidays! It consists of so many yummy fall flavors that are sweet to savory. It also has a delicious apple cider maple vinaigrette that brings it all together! It is also dairy, gluten, and refined sugar free so if anyone in your family has dietary preferences, this salad just might be the one!

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What you will need for this salad

Kale – I know not everyone is a fan of kale but trust me that this green leafy vegetable is the perfect base that adds a nice crunchy texture. You might just be a new fan after trying this salad!

Apple Slices – You can use any kind of apple you would like! I personally like sweet-tart apples like pink lady or honey crisp!

Prosciutto – I like the salty contrast that the bacon adds to this salad! If you are vegan you can totally omit this ingredient with the salad still tasting delicious.

Dried Cranberries – Cranberries are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavanols which give them their dark red hue. They are also great for supporting the immune system and urinary tract health! I definitely recommend finding ones that don’t have added sugar.

Pecans – I love adding nuts to my salads for a some crunch and because they contain healthy fats and protein! You can use raw or candied pecans(I make my own paleo version.)

Dairy Free Ricotta – Ricotta cheese adds a fun tangy flavor to this salad. You can use regular ricotta but if you’re looking for a dairy free version that tastes like the real deal than you should the Kite Hill brand.

Apple Cider Vinegar – this is what will give the salad dressing a nice tangy flavor.

Maple Syrup – This is what we will use to sweeten the vinaigrette with.

Dijon Mustard – I love adding a touch of mustard to the vinaigrette because it pairs so well with the other flavors.

Avocado Oil – This is a great healthier oil alternative to use in salad dressings! Most store bought ones contain inflammatory processed oils like canola, safflower, soy bean, and sunflower oils. Instead opt for avocado or olive oil!

Garlic – This adds a nice flavor note to the vinaigrette.

How to make the cranberry apple pecan salad

First, chop the kale and cut the apples into thin slices or cubes. Add them to a large salad bowl. Then cut the prosciutto into small pieces and add to the salad bowl along with the dried cranberries, pecans, and ricotta crumbles.

Make the vinaigrette by mixing together the avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, and garlic in jar or bowl. When you’re ready to serve the salad, drizzle the vinaigrette over top and then toss the salad to mix and coat well. Serve and enjoy!

How to store

This salad is best when served the shortly after making. You can store it in the fridge for a couple days but it may not be as crisp.

Other recipes you will enjoy

Roasted Veggie Salad

Orange Cranberry Sauce

Fall Harves t Salad

Cranberry Apple Pecan Salad

colorfulsuperfoodie

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

for the salad

6 cups chopped kale
1 apple sliced or chopped
4-6 slices pasture raised prosciutto
1/2 cup dried cranberries(fruit sweetened)
1 cup raw or candied pecans
1/2 cup dairy free ricotta

For the apple cider maple vinaigrette

1/2 cup avocado oil
6 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic(minced)

Instructions

Chop the kale and cut the apples into thin slices or cubes. Add them to a large salad bowl.
Cut the prosciutto into small pieces and add to the salad bowl along with the dried cranberries, pecans, and ricotta crumbles.
Make the vinaigrette by mixing together the avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, and garlic in jar or bowl.
When you're ready to serve the salad, drizzle the vinaigrette over top and then toss the salad to mix and coat well.
Serve and enjoy!