Description
A refreshing Apple Pecan Salad featuring crisp Romaine lettuce, sweet Honeycrisp apples, crunchy candied pecans, and aged white cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy lemon dressing made from crème fraiche or Greek yogurt. Perfect for a light, elegant side or a vibrant starter.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the crème fraiche or Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and kosher salt until smooth. Set aside or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Prepare the salad base: Place the chopped Romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Drizzle the 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples and toss gently to prevent browning.
- Assemble the salad: Add the apple slices, candied pecans, grated aged white cheddar cheese, and minced chives to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Toss and serve: Pour the creamy lemon dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is well coated. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.
Notes
- Assemble and toss the salad right before serving to maintain crispness and prevent the apples from browning.
- You can prepare the dressing and chop ingredients in advance to save time.
- If crème fraiche is unavailable, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute.
- Candied pecans add sweetness and crunch; you can substitute with toasted pecans and a drizzle of honey if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
