Apple & Cranberry Salad from Whataburger features crisp mixed greens tossed with sweet apple slices, tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crumbled blue cheese, all drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful bite.
Equipments
- Salad bowl
- Salad tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small mixing bowl (for vinaigrette)
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 large apple
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pecans
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing your Apple & Cranberry Salad, use fresh, crisp mixed greens to ensure the best texture and flavor. Choose a large apple that is firm and sweet, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, to complement the tartness of the dried cranberries. Toast the pecans lightly to enhance their crunch and bring out their nutty aroma. Measure the vinaigrette ingredients carefully for a balanced tangy dressing, combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Your homemade Apple & Cranberry Salad from Whataburger copycat menu will offer a refreshing and flavorful bite that rivals the original.
Instructions
- Wash and dry mixed salad greens.
- Core and slice the apple into thin wedges.
- Roughly chop pecans, if desired.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk vinaigrette ingredients together until emulsified.
- Place salad greens in a salad bowl.
- Add apple slices, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and crumbled blue cheese to the greens.
- Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss salad gently with salad tongs to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Apple & Cranberry Salad from Whataburger copycat menu combines crisp mixed greens with sweet apple slices, tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy blue cheese, all tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. If you don't have blue cheese, feta or goat cheese can offer a similar tangy richness. Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds to add a different crunch and flavor profile. Fresh cranberries can replace dried ones if you prefer a less sweet and more tart bite; just chop them finely to balance the salad's texture. Your vinaigrette can be adjusted with lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a brighter acidity to suit your taste.
Tips
Ensure your mixed greens are thoroughly washed and completely dried to prevent a soggy salad. Core and slice your apple just before assembling to maintain its crispness and prevent browning. Emulsify the vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined for a balanced flavor. For the best texture contrast, add the blue cheese and pecans last, then gently toss so Your salad remains fresh and visually appealing.
Nutritions
This Apple & Cranberry Salad provides a balanced mix of nutrients including fiber from the mixed greens and apple, antioxidants and vitamins from dried cranberries, and healthy fats from pecans and olive oil. The crumbled blue cheese adds protein and calcium, enhancing the salad's nutritional profile. Your body benefits from the heart-healthy fats found in olive oil combined with the natural sweetness of honey in the vinaigrette. This salad is a nutrient-dense option that supports digestive health and provides essential micronutrients for overall wellness.
Storage
Store your Apple & Cranberry Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, ideally for up to 24 hours. Keep the vinaigrette separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. If storing longer, place apple slices in an airtight bag with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap crumbled blue cheese with feta for a milder, creamier texture or use walnuts instead of pecans for an earthier flavor. Try substituting apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar to add a richer sweetness to the vinaigrette. For a vegan twist, replace honey with maple syrup and omit cheese altogether. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniformly thin apple slices for a more elegant presentation.
Allergies
Your Apple & Cranberry Salad from Whataburger contains pecans and blue cheese, which are common allergens for people with nut and dairy sensitivities. Individuals with tree nut allergies should avoid the pecans, as exposure can trigger severe reactions. The presence of dairy in blue cheese could also pose a risk for those with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies.
Why this recipe?
The Apple & Cranberry Salad from Whataburger is praised for its fresh ingredients, including crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, which create a balanced flavor profile that appeals to health-conscious diners. The combination of mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing and satisfying element that sets it apart from typical fast-food salads. This salad offers a nutrient-rich option with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a wholesome choice for those seeking a light yet flavorful meal. Recreating this salad at home allows you to enjoy the same vibrant taste and nutritional benefits while customizing it to suit your personal preferences.