Kenosha-Inspired Cranberry and Apple Harvest Salad
A vibrant autumn salad featuring crisp apples, tart Wisconsin cranberries, toasted pecans, and a maple Dijon dressing reflecting regional harvest flavors. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed greens, dried Wisconsin cranberries, roughly chopped toasted pecans into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 medium, cored and thinly sliced Granny Smith apple
- 1/2 cup dried Wisconsin cranberries
- 1/3 cup, roughly chopped toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 6 cups mixed greens, 1 medium thinly sliced Granny Smith apple, 1/2 cup dried Wisconsin cranberries, and 1/3 cup toasted pecans.
- Step 3: Pour the maple Dijon dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat all components evenly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese on top and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures with regional flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kenosha-Inspired Cranberry and Apple Harvest Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Kenosha-Inspired Cranberry and Apple Harvest Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mixed greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Kenosha-Inspired Cranberry and Apple Harvest Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Kenosha-Inspired Cranberry and Apple Harvest Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Kenosha-Inspired Cranberry and Apple Harvest Salad?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
