I am a fan of salads all year long, but I definitely like when the flavors follow the season! This gorgeous Holiday Honeycrisp Salad is perfection for the winter months with a medley of toasted, crunchy pecans, creamy goat cheese, tart cranberries and sweet honeycrisp apples! It comes together so easily and feeds a crowd so it’s perfect for those holiday gatherings! Whether looking for winter salad recipes, Christmas salad recipes or a salad for your next dinner party, this one is just what you will need and LOVE!

What You Will Love About This Recipe:

• Lighter menu option 
• Perfect Christmas side dish recipe
• Pairs wonderfully with main dishes
• Perfect salad for this time of year
• A Christmas dinner MUST
• Simple ingredients found easily at your local grocery store
• Healthy and hearty side dish, and comfort food to a T

Ingredient List:

Salad Ingredients:

• Honeycrisp Apples: Fresh apple slices, thinly sliced or chopped for a crisp, sweet crunch. Honeycrisp apples are the best apples for this recipe – quintessential winter vibes.  
• Lemon: Juice to toss with the apples to prevent browning and add brightness.
• Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon for a savory, smoky contrast, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Goat Cheese: Crumbled; its creamy tanginess complements the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.
• Scallions: Thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor.
• Pecans: Chopped and toasted to enhance their nutty flavor and add crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet-tart flavor to balance the salad’s savory elements.
• Arugula and Spinach Mix: A fresh, peppery, and mild base for the salad. (or a spring mix)

Apple Cider Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• Avocado Oil: A light, neutral oil as the vinaigrette base. 
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity and depth.
• Apple Juice: For a hint of sweetness that ties into the apple theme.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright citrus note.
• Salt: To season and enhance the overall flavor.
• Honey: Sweetener to balance the acidity in the dressing.
• Dried Sage: Earthy and warm, perfect for holiday flavors.
• Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the sage and apples.

Instructions:

Holiday Honeycrisp Salad with Sweet Vinaigrette

1. Prepare the salad dressing: In a mason jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well blended, or whisk together in the bowl until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (add more honey for sweetness or mustard for tang). Set aside.
2. Cook the bacon: Cut the bacon into small bits or strips. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until crispy and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Set aside.
3. Prepare the apples: Core and slice the Honeycrisp apples into thin, even slices. Immediately toss the slices with the juice of one lemon to prevent browning and enhance flavor. Set aside.
4. Toast the pecans: In the same skillet used for the bacon, add the chopped pecans over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning, and toast for 3-4 minutes or until fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool.
5. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, layer the arugula and spinach (or green salad) as your base. Then add the Honeycrisp apple slices, ensuring an even distribution. Next, sprinkle on the crispy bacon bits, followed by the toasted pecans, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, and thinly sliced scallions.
6. Dress the salad: When you’re ready to serve, pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure the dressing evenly coats the ingredients. If you prefer, you can toss the salad in advance and let guests add their own dressing at the table. Store extra dressing in a mason jar and extra salad in an airtight container. 

Perfect Pairings:

Proteins

1. Roast Turkey or Chicken: The sweet and tangy flavors of the salad complement the savory and juicy notes of roasted poultry, making it a perfect side for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
2. Glazed Ham: The sweetness of the apples and cranberries pairs beautifully with the smoky, caramelized flavor of a honey or maple-glazed ham.
3. Salmon: Serve with roasted or grilled salmon, especially if it’s topped with a honey mustard or maple glaze to echo the sweetness in the salad.
4. Beef Tenderloin: The creamy goat cheese and toasted pecans provide a satisfying contrast to the richness of tender, well-seasoned beef.

Sides

1. Butternut Squash Soup: A warm, creamy soup complements the crispness of the apples and the freshness of the greens.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A comforting, creamy side dish balances the light and tangy salad.
3. Savory Stuffing: Herbaceous stuffing with sausage or mushrooms pairs nicely with the sweet and savory elements of the salad.

Drinks

1. White Wine: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the apples and goat cheese.
2. Sparkling Cider: Non-alcoholic or hard cider is a perfect match for the Honeycrisp apples.
3. Light Red Wine: A Pinot Noir or Beaujolais adds a fruity but subtle earthiness that works well with the salad’s flavors.
4. Mocktail: A cranberry spritzer with a touch of lime offers a refreshing, festive option.

Desserts

1. Apple Crisp: Play up the apple theme by serving a warm, spiced apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Pecan Pie: The toasted pecans in the salad echo the flavors of this classic dessert.
3. Cheesecake: A creamy goat cheese or traditional cheesecake with a cranberry glaze ties the meal together beautifully.

These pairings create a cohesive, flavorful menu while highlighting the salad’s vibrant holiday spirit.

Check out the recipe card below to add this delicious salad to your holiday menu! 

The Best Holiday Honeycrisp Apple Salad Recipe

This gorgeous Holiday Honeycrisp Salad is perfection for the winter months with a medley of toasted, crunchy pecans, creamy goat cheese, tart cranberries and sweet honeycrisp apples! It comes together so easily and feeds a crowd so it's perfect for those holiday gatherings

Print Recipe

Prep Time:20 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 3 Honey crisp medium apples or 2 large apples in lemon juice from 1 lemon
• 4 Strips of Bacon
• 5 oz Goat Cheese
• 1 Scallions
• 1 cup Pecans chopped and toasted
• 1/2 cup Cranberries
• 12 oz Arugula and Spinach mix

Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup Avocado Oil
• 1/8 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/4 cup Apple Juice
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• Pinch of dried Sage
• Pinch of dried Thyme

Instructions

• Prepare the salad dressing: In a mason jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well blended, or whisk together in the bowl until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (add more honey for sweetness or mustard for tang). Set aside.
• Cook the bacon: Cut the bacon into small bits or strips. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until crispy and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Set aside.
• Prepare the apples: Core and slice the Honeycrisp apples into thin, even slices. Immediately toss the slices with the juice of one lemon to prevent browning and enhance flavor. Set aside.
• Toast the pecans: In the same skillet used for the bacon, add the chopped pecans over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning, and toast for 3-4 minutes or until fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool.
• Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, layer the arugula and spinach (or green salad) as your base. Then add the Honeycrisp apple slices, ensuring an even distribution. Next, sprinkle on the crispy bacon bits, followed by the toasted pecans, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, and thinly sliced scallions.
• Dress the salad: When you’re ready to serve, pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure the dressing evenly coats the ingredients. If you prefer, you can toss the salad in advance and let guests add their own dressing at the table. Store extra dressing in a mason jar and extra salad in an airtight container.

Servings: 8