If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that bursts with texture and flavor, the Mexican Apple Pecan Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful combination of crisp Granny Smith and Red Delicious apples, sweet raisins, crunchy pecans, and shredded carrots, all brought together with a creamy mix of mayonnaise and Mexican crema. This salad offers a beautiful balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and creaminess that makes it the perfect side dish or light lunch. You’ll love how simple ingredients combine to create something truly special that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is both straightforward and rewarding, as each component brings a unique element to the Mexican Apple Pecan Salad Recipe’s delicious profile. From the apples’ crisp bite to the creamy dressing, every piece plays a vital role.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness adds a refreshing contrast and helps balance the sweetness in the salad.
- Red Delicious apple: Adds a gentle sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
- Shredded carrot: Provides a subtle earthiness and lovely texture.
- Raisins: Bring bursts of natural sweetness that complement the tart apples beautifully.
- Chopped pecans: Add crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and helps bind all the ingredients together seamlessly.
- Mexican crema or crème fraîche: Adds a tangy, luxurious finish to the dressing for an authentic flair.
- Salt (optional): Enhances all the flavors, but use sparingly to keep the natural sweetness shining.
How to Make Mexican Apple Pecan Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fruits, Nuts, and Carrots
Start by placing the Granny Smith cubes, Red Delicious pieces, shredded carrot, raisins, and chopped pecans into a large bowl. Gently toss these ingredients together so the raisins and pecans are evenly distributed among the crisp apples and carrots. This first step ensures every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Dressing
Now, add the mayonnaise and Mexican crema to the bowl. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to coat each ingredient with the creamy dressing. This step transforms the salad from a simple fruit-nut mix into a luscious dish that feels indulgent yet light.
Step 3: Chill Before Serving
Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This resting time helps all the flavors meld beautifully, allowing the tart apples, sweet raisins, and creamy dressing to harmonize perfectly.
Step 4: Serve the Salad Cool
Once chilled, give the salad a quick gentle stir and it’s ready to enjoy. Serving it cool enhances the refreshing quality and keeps the texture crisp and vibrant.
How to Serve Mexican Apple Pecan Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top just before serving to boost crunch and add visual appeal. You might also add a small handful of fresh cilantro or a light drizzle of lime juice for a bright, fresh twist.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even as a side to a spicy chili. Its creamy and sweet qualities balance out bold, savory dishes beautifully, making it incredibly versatile.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual small mason jars for a charming, portable lunch option. Alternatively, use crisp tortilla bowls to add a fun, edible container that echoes the Mexican inspiration behind the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Mexican Apple Pecan Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within two days to keep the apples from browning and maintain the salad’s fresh texture.
Freezing
Because this salad contains fresh fruit and creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor will degrade significantly after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary or advised. Simply give it a quick stir after refrigeration to refresh the flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this salad?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Red Delicious apples create a great tart-sweet balance, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples to suit your taste and what’s available.
Is there a substitute for Mexican crema?
If Mexican crema isn’t on hand, crème fraîche or even sour cream are excellent alternatives that maintain the creamy tang that the recipe calls for.
Can I make the salad vegan?
Yes, you can swap the mayonnaise and crema for vegan alternatives such as plant-based mayo and coconut yogurt to keep the creamy element while making the salad vegan-friendly.
How long should I let the salad chill before serving?
At least 15 minutes of chilling is ideal to allow the flavors to blend nicely, but if you have more time, up to 1 hour in the fridge can deepen the taste even further.
What can I do to prevent the apples from browning?
Tossing the apple pieces briefly with a little lemon juice before mixing them into the salad can help keep them fresh and visually appealing longer.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Apple Pecan Salad Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite salads to make and share. Its mix of textures and flavors feels both comforting and exciting, perfect for any season or occasion. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and discover how effortlessly it can brighten your meals with its delightful taste and easy preparation!
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Mexican Apple Pecan Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Mexican Apple Pecan Salad combining the crisp tartness of Granny Smith and sweet Red Delicious apples, shredded carrots, raisins, and crunchy pecans, all coated in a creamy blend of mayonnaise and Mexican crema for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Fruits and Vegetables
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 large Red Delicious apple, cored and cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup shredded carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
Dry Ingredients
- 3.5 oz (heaping ½ cup) raisins
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Dressings and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ cup Mexican crema (crema or substitute with crème fraîche)
- Salt, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Granny Smith apples, Red Delicious apples, shredded carrot, raisins, and chopped pecans. Mix gently until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add Dressing: Add the mayonnaise and Mexican crema to the fruit and nut mixture. Stir carefully until all ingredients are well coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to cool.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled for the best taste and texture, enjoying the harmonious blend of sweet, tart, crunchy, and creamy elements.
Notes
- This salad is best served cool and after resting to develop deeper flavors.
- You may adjust the salt to your taste or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
- Substitute Mexican crema with crème fraîche if unavailable.
- For added texture, lightly toast pecans before adding.
