Apple, Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad With Dried Cherries: A Fresh Twist on Classic Flavors

A vibrant dressing unites crisp fruit, crunchy nuts, and tangy bites for a memorable dish.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 23, 2025

A vibrant dressing unites crisp fruit, crunchy nuts, and tangy bites for a memorable dish.

Apple, Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad With Dried Cherries

Experience a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy with this Apple, Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad With Dried Cherries. This recipe celebrates contrasting flavors and vibrant textures, blending crisp apples with creamy blue cheese, crunchy pecans, and chewy dried cherries, unified by a bright maple-Dijon vinaigrette. Ideal for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or as an impressive starter, this salad showcases freshness and flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

Balanced Flavors: Crisp apples and tangy blue cheese are offset by sweet dried cherries and crunchy pecans.
Simple Preparation: Easy steps make this salad accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile: Can be served as a starter, side, or light main dish.
Seasonal Appeal: Perfect year-round, but especially enjoyable in autumn and winter when apples are at their peak.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Salad greens (spring mix or baby spinach)	12 ounces	Washed and dried
Apples	2 whole	Cored and sliced very thin (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for tartness and crunch)
Pecan halves	1/2 cup	Toasted for extra depth
Dried cherries	1/4 cup	Unsweetened preferred
Blue cheese	6 ounces	Cubed or crumbled (Maytag or your favorite variety)
Dijon mustard	1 tablespoon (heaping)
Maple syrup	1 tablespoon	Or to taste; real maple syrup recommended
Apple cider vinegar	1-3 teaspoons	Adjust for acidity preference
Olive oil	1/4 cup	Extra virgin preferred
Salt and black pepper	To taste	Freshly ground suggested

Step-by-Step Preparation

Prepare the Salad Base
In a large serving bowl, combine the salad greens, thinly sliced apples, toasted pecans, dried cherries, and blue cheese chunks. Distribute ingredients evenly for color and texture variety.
Tip: Use a mandoline for evenly thin apple slices and sprinkle blue cheese so it’s distributed through every bite.
Make the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
In a small mason jar or bowl, add Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified.
- Adjust vinegar and maple syrup ratios to balance tang and sweetness as desired.
- Taste before serving; the dressing’s harmony is key to this salad’s appeal.
Dress and Toss
Drizzle a portion of the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all components. Add more dressing to taste, keeping the salad lightly coated.
Note: Serve dressing on the side if preferred, allowing guests to customize.

Flavor and Texture Insights

This salad shines due to its balance:

Crisp, tart apples counteract the richness of blue cheese.
Pecans add roasted nuttiness, enhancing crunch.
Dried cherries offer a chewy, sweet-tart pop that heightens overall taste.
Spring mix or baby spinach serves as a fresh, neutral background.
Maple Dijon vinaigrette unites the dish, imparting a nuanced sweetness and mellow acidity.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

For a winter twist, swap apples for pears or Asian pears.
Other nuts: Substitute walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for pecans.
Dried fruit: Use dried cranberries, apricots, or golden raisins in place of dried cherries.
Cheese options: Try goat cheese or feta for a milder tang.
Add grilled chicken or salmon for a heartier entrée salad.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	~234
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	5g
Unsaturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	16mg
Sodium	384mg
Carbohydrates	13g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	8g
Protein	6g

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Serve as an elegant starter for festive gatherings or holidays.
Pair with grilled meats, like chicken or steak, for a robust meal.
Enjoy alongside hearty soups (butternut squash, tomato basil).
Great with freshly baked bread or soft rolls.
For wine pairings, try dry rosé or a lightly oaked Chardonnay.

Tips for Success

Toast pecans for 5–10 minutes at 350°F to enhance flavor and crunch.
Slice apples thin to maximize crisp texture and distribution.
Toss dressing at the last moment to keep greens lively and fresh.
Use high-quality blue cheese for optimal creaminess and flavor.
Double check measurements for dressing to achieve the right balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I prepare this salad in advance?

A: You can slice the apples and toast the pecans a few hours ahead. Keep all ingredients chilled separately and toss with vinaigrette just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Q: What can I use instead of blue cheese?

A: Substitute goat cheese, feta, or even sharp white cheddar for different flavor profiles. Each alternative offers its own unique tangy taste and creamy texture.

Q: Are there nut-free options for this salad?

A: Yes, simply omit pecans or use roasted seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower for crunch, making the salad safe for those with nut allergies.

Q: Can I make this salad vegan?

A: To make vegan, swap blue cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative and ensure the maple syrup is unprocessed.

Q: What apples work best?

A: Choose tart, crunchy apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their acidity balances the richness of cheese and sweetness of cherries.

Chef’s Notes

This recipe is based on a beloved salad from Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, and has inspired many adaptations for varied tastes and occasions.
The maple-Dijon vinaigrette brings a sophisticated balance of sweetness and spice not found in basic dressings.
Pecans and cherries can be adjusted in quantity for stronger nutty or fruity notes.

More Salad Inspirations

Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Pomegranate & Feta for summer flair.
Shaved Vegetable Winter Salad for unique roots and crunch.
Apple, Cherry & Walnut Salad for a fruitier twist.

Summary

This Apple, Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad with Dried Cherries stands out as a crowd-pleasing, beautiful dish loaded with vibrant color, bold flavors, and wholesome nutrition. Its ease of assembly and customizable ingredients make it perfect for novice cooks or seasoned hosts alike. Try it as a seasonal centerpiece, a holiday salad, or a fresh weeknight meal—you’ll delight in every bite!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb