Holiday Honeycrisp Salad

Bright, crisp, and full of holiday charm, this Holiday Honeycrisp Salad brings fresh sweetness and a festive crunch to your Christmas table. Juicy apples, toasted pecans, and tangy vinaigrette make every bite sparkle with flavor — the perfect balance to all those cozy, rich holiday mains.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad

This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad feels like Christmas in a bowl — colorful, crunchy, and full of fresh flavor. The Honeycrisp apples bring natural sweetness and a crisp bite that pairs beautifully with peppery greens and creamy blue cheese. Toasted pecans and dried cranberries add warmth and texture, creating that perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and nutty. Even better, the simple apple cider vinaigrette ties everything together in minutes. You can prep most of it ahead, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying family and laughter. It’s elegant enough for Christmas dinner yet easy enough for a cozy weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette

You’ll need ½ cup of oil (light vegetable or extra-virgin olive oil), ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup apple juice or cider, 2–3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Shake or whisk it until it blends into a golden, tangy dressing. If your apple juice is already sweet, you can dial back the honey. The vinaigrette keeps well in the fridge for up to two days — just bring it to room temp and shake before using.

For the Salad

Start with 3 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced and tossed with lemon juice to keep them bright. Then add 12 ounces of salad greens — baby spinach, spring mix, or a blend of your favorites. Sprinkle in 1 cup toasted or candied pecans for crunch, ¾ cup dried cranberries or cherries for festive sweetness, and 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese for creamy balance. You can swap in feta or goat cheese for a lighter taste, or use apples like Gala or Pink Lady if Honeycrisp aren’t on hand.

How to Make Holiday Honeycrisp Salad

Step 1 – Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a small jar, combine oil, vinegar, apple juice, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake until smooth and glossy. Set it aside while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2 – Toast the Pecans

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast for 7–10 minutes, stirring once, until they’re golden and fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding them to the salad.

Step 3 – Prep the Apples and Greens

Thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples and toss them with the juice of half a lemon in a sealed bag to prevent browning. Wash and pat dry your salad greens so they stay light and crisp.

Step 4 – Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, layer greens, apple slices, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and blue cheese. Drizzle with your vinaigrette and toss gently just before serving. Every bite will feel bright and refreshing, balancing beautifully with rich holiday dishes like roasted turkey or savory baked ham with pineapple.

Recipe Tips & Make-Ahead Notes

This salad shines brightest when served fresh, but many parts can be prepped in advance. Make the vinaigrette a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. Toasted pecans will stay crisp in an airtight container for up to a week. Slice the apples a few hours before serving and coat them with lemon juice to keep them from browning. If you’re using olive oil, remember it may solidify when chilled — just set it out to warm before tossing. Combine everything right before serving for that perfect crunch and shine.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Want to change it up? Try walnuts instead of pecans, or swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese for a milder bite. For extra sweetness and sparkle, use candied pecans. Dried cherries add a deeper tart flavor that’s lovely with roasted butternut squash salad or holiday mains like turkey and ham. This salad also pairs beautifully with vegetarian dishes or even cozy sides such as garlic parmesan green beans.

Related Recipes to Try

• Festive Christmas Salad Idea
• Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
• Savory Baked Ham with Pineapple
• Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
• Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion / Final Thoughts

This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad is more than just greens — it’s the sparkle on your holiday table. Sweet apples, tangy vinaigrette, and crunchy pecans come together in every bite, keeping your Christmas menu light yet festive. Make it your go-to salad for holiday dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave something fresh and beautiful. For more cozy inspiration, follow along on Pinterest.

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