Spiced Pecan and Jalapeño Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad combining toasted spiced pecans and fresh jalapeños, tossed with mixed greens and a bright citrus vinaigrette. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 21 minutes, pairs mixed salad greens, pecans, smoked paprika 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 250 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup pecans, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp salt. Toast, stirring frequently, for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 minced garlic clove until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1 thinly sliced jalapeño pepper, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and the toasted spiced pecans.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for a fresh, zesty side or light main.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Pecan and Jalapeño Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 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 Spiced Pecan and Jalapeño Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

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 salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Pecan and Jalapeño Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

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 Spiced Pecan and Jalapeño Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Spiced Pecan and Jalapeño Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Mediterranean 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.

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