Apple Pecan Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing
Updated September 04, 2024
Quick Summary
This Apple Salad with candied pecans, white cheddar, and creamy lemon dressing is a fall favorite and always a hit at potlucks, Thanksgiving, and dinner parties!
Apple Salad
Let me introduce you to the BEST fall salad recipe. I can't take credit for this amazing recipe, it is my friend Taryn's famous salad, but she is allowing me to share it with you guys because she is a good friend like that. I told her my people NEED this salad in their lives. Every time she brings this salad to a party, it is the HIT of the night! The flavors and textures are pure deliciousness!
This Apple Pecan Salad is made with apples, candied pecans, white cheddar cheese, and a creamy lemon dressing that will blow your mind! I promise you will fall in love with this dreamy salad after one bite. Everyone does!
Table of Contents
The Best Lettuce to Use
Since this dressing is so creamy, I suggest using Romaine lettuce. This is a heartier lettuce that will hold dressing rather than collapse underneath it. If you're a kale person, that would also be a great option in this Apple Pecan Salad!
Creamy Lemon Dressing
This dressing is super creamy and bursting with bright flavor! You can use creme fraiche or plain Greek yogurt, both are good options. Creme fraiche can be hard to find, but if you can it is the decadent way to go. It's SO good! If you want to keep things healthier, plain Greek yogurt works really well.
Because the dressing is so creamy, I wait until right before serving to toss everything together. You can prep everything ahead of time, just wait to toss it all together until right before you eat!
Picking Apples
I love this salad for fall because apples are in season and SO good! Fall is the best time to find juicy, crisp apples. I always use Honeycrisp apples because is there a better apple? I don't think so:) They are my favorite and one reason fall is my favorite season. Bring on the apples!
After you slice the apples, drizzle them with fresh lemon juice. This will prevent them from browning and will add an extra lemon zing!
Candied Pecans
Using candied pecans is a great way to make a salad feel a little extra special. The candied pecans add great texture and sweetness! I use my homemade candied pecans, they are easy to make and your entire house will smell amazing. You can make them in advance. I always have a jar in the pantry.
If you don't have pecans, you can use walnuts! They are good too! Follow the candied pecan recipe, just use walnuts.
White Cheddar Cheese
For this salad, I like to splurge a little and use a GOOD aged white cheddar cheese. White cheddar and apples are a match made in heaven! Visit the cheese counter at your grocery store and have them help you if you aren't familiar with white cheddar. Most grocery stores should have it!
To get longer shavings (and more cheddar in every bite–yum!) I use a peeler or a grater and a block of cheddar rather than a bag of pre-shredded cheese. Getting those bigger chunks of cheese adds more cheddar flavor throughout the salad!
How to Make Apple Pecan Salad
- First make the dressing, combine the crème fraiche or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth. Set aside. The dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance.
- To assemble the salad, place the lettuce in a large bowl. Drizzle lemon juice over the apple slices and toss to prevent them from browning. Add the apple slices, candied pecans, grated cheese, and chives to the salad bowl.
- Add the creamy lemon dressing and toss until salad is well coated. Serve immediately.
Perfect Fall Salad
When you have all of your ingredients ready to go and you are ready to serve your salad. Toss all of the ingredients together in a large bowl and serve immediately. This salad is best when served soon after being tossed.
I highly recommend you make this Apple Pecan Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing for your next dinner party, potluck, Thanksgiving, or even weeknight dinner. It is SO good!
More Salad Recipes:
- Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad
- Favorite Pear Salad
- Fall Panzanella Salad
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Simple Kale Salad
- Pear Pomegranate Salad
Apple Pecan Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing
Ingredients
For the Creamy Lemon Dressing:
- 3/4 cup crème fraiche or plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Salad:
- 2 heads Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup candied pecans
- 4 oz. aged white cheddar cheese, grated with a potato peeler or large grater
- 1 tablespoon minced chives
Instructions
- To make the dressing, combine the crème fraiche or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth. Set aside. The dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance.
- To assemble the salad, place the lettuce in a large bowl. Drizzle lemon juice over the apple slices and toss to prevent them from browning. Add the apple slices, candied pecans, grated cheese, and chives to the salad bowl.
- Add the creamy lemon dressing and toss until salad is well coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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