I post a lot of desserts on my blog. I love making them…I’m very passionate about it…but have you noticed I’ve been posting lately more savory meals? I’m feeling very inspired in that department too. I’ve recently posted tomato risotto, Garlic Lemon Kale Salad and the most viewed recipe I’ve ever gotten….Garlic Alfredo Sauce! Every single day the alfredo sauce is off the charts in views and the feedback from you guys making it in the kitchen has made me SO happy…..so I know it’s just as important for my readers to have savory……and sweet options.
This salad is kind of like both. While it obviously is not a dessert, it has some delicious sweet flavors. I used lots of fresh bell peppers and apples over a kale, spinach and swiss chard greens mix. I then topped it off with a sweet, spicy dressing….sooooo good. It was so delicious, I shared some with my 2 year old. How many 2 year olds do you know who love salad? Raw veggies at that?! Her favorite part was the apples, of course. I used honey crisp apples, to be exact. They are THE BEST apples ever. Super sweet and crisp.
The dressing is super thick and creamy. I wanted to further bring out the bell pepper flavors, so that is why I added lots of chili powder to the dressing, just for a little bit of heat. It gives it some warmth without being crazy spicy. It compliments the bell peppers and contrasts greatly with the sweetness of the apples. I really couldn’t put the salad down, it was that good.
Oh, and it’s quite beautiful and colorful too…which doesn’t hurt since we eat with our eyes first! It was one of my favorite creations to photograph to date.
This dressing also makes the perfect veggie dip! It is on the thick side, so you can totally use it as a dip and it is delicious. It thickens some in the fridge overnight, so you can just thin it out with some water to use again as salad dressing, or use some of it as a dip too!
Let me know what you think of this Apple Pepper Salad with Sweet ‘N’ Spicy Creamy Dressing!
Apple Pepper Salad with Sweet āNā Spicy Cream Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 heaping cups of sliced assorted bell peppers I just purchased an 8 oz bag of assorted mini peppers
- One 5 oz container of greens I purchased a premade mix of kale, spinach & swiss chard
- 1 honey crisp apple thinly sliced (or use your favorite apple)
Sweet 'n' Spicy Dressing (This dressing makes a lot, 2 cups, so it'll last you for several salads!)
- 2 cups raw whole pecans 214 g, 7.5 oz
- 3 tablespoons organic yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoons raw agave or preferred liquid sweetener
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened apple juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Add the pecans to a food processor and process until a smooth paste forms and there are no small pieces left. These process and turn the smoothest the easiest and quickest out of most nuts and work best in this dressing. After it is smooth, add the remaining dressing ingredients and process until very smooth and creamy. Taste and add any more salt or water to thin out, if desired. This dressing has a thick texture similar to a ranch dressing, but if you prefer it thinner, just add in a little bit of water. Set aside. (It thickens some in the fridge overnight, so you can just thin it out with some water or use it as a dip as well)
- Slice bell peppers and apples and add to greens. Pour dressing over salad and sprinkle extra chili powder if desired for more heat over the salad.
Notes
Brandi, love your recipes and this site! I have a question will the pecans process in my ninja pro? I dont have a vitamix or blendtec.
I’ve never tried the Ninja pro, but I think I have hear it is pretty powerful and pecans have a high oil content, so they break down pretty easily, so I think you should be fine!
I have been searching and searching for a good salad dressing recipe and finally found it!!
Thank you Brandi !! By the way, you look like an angel.
Wonderful, I’m so glad you loved the dressing Adam and thank you for the compliment! š
This looks really good! Putting ingredients on my grocery list now. š
Awesome Shannon, thank you! Please let me know how it turns out š
oh my! The peppers picture is killing me..and that dressing looks delicious..i can put a straw in that mason jar and drink it up š
Oh my gosh! I made this salad and the dressing this evening. It was wonderful. You folks who can design recipes are so talented. I had to leave out the chili pepper, as such things don’t agree with my husband and I–but it was still wonderful. I used apple cider (the real booze) in the dressing instead of apple juice. Oh my. Heavenly. Thank you.
I posted about this recipe on my Facebook wall and posted the link your website.
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback Cara!! You made my day! I’m super happy you enjoyed it so much and using the apple cider in place of the apple juice is a wonderful idea…I will try that next time!! Thank you again for the beautiful compliments and words….feedback means so much to me that you took the time to leave it š
Oh, and thank you SO much for posting the link on your facebook too!! yay!
I made another salad but made your divine very healthy dressing & loved it so much, Brandi!
Divine stuff! xx
Thank you so much Sophie!!
A pecan dressing! I bet that’s amazing. I adore fruit in salad too so this is right up my street š
Thank you Emma! It really is SO GOOD!
This is an absolutely fantastic salad. Its has so many different ingredients and textures ;
it can be eaten as a main course. The dressing is so creamy and has just the right amount of tang and spice, along with a tinge of sweetness. This a a wonderful quick week nite meal.
Oh, that dressing looks divine Brandi! Yum! I’d definitely use it for dipping as well as dressing salads… the combination of sweet and spicy is always a winner. Thanks for adding all these wonderful salad dressings. It’s perfect fodder for the hot Aussie weather we’re getting at the moment! Bookmarking this one for dinner this week! xx
Thank you so much Laura! Yes, I think I loved it even more as a veggie dip…I was dipping everything in it. It is so thick, it is just perfect as a dip! š
I love sweet & savory combos so this salad is right up my alley! And the colors make it all the more appealing š
Thanks for sharing the Alfredo link too! I hadn’t seen that before and I’ve been dying to try a healthy alfredo sauce. This looks perfect!
Thank you Whitney! I agree… Sweet and savory are awesome together!
I love to see such a fresh dish this time of year! I’ve just begun using agave – dressing looks delicious.
Thank you so much Mary! š
I’m all for never ending dessert posts, but I do love the savory items you post too!! This looks so fresh and light!
OMG this is a crazy salad! So many different ingredients that you would never think would be good together, mixed up to create a MOUTH PLEASING DISH! š I love your creativity! I always make the same thing every day, I need to MIX IT UP – common GIGI lets SPICE UP YOUR LIFE! lol
Thank you so much Gigi! Yes, it’s not the “usual” combo, but it is SO GOOD and sweet!!
Happy New Year, Brandi! It’s been a long time since I’ve visited this gorgeous space of yours (was away on vacay and then totally bedridden for the past week ‘n a half from the worst flu). I’ve missed out on so many delicious recipes! This apple pepper salad is truly a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. It’s making me feel healthier just by looking at the photos, lol. Now I gotta go check out the alfredo sauce recipe you referenced in this post!
You are so sweet, thank you so much nancy! I sure hope you are feeling better now! xoxo
What a delicious way to enjoy veggies without feeling forced š
Gorgeous colours as well!
Cheers
CCU
Thanks Uru!!
Looks so fresh and delicious. Great photography – colours just pop and make you want to reach in and taste it.
This is a great salad winter or summer I think
Thank you so much Cindy!
I can eat a whole bag of those mini peppers as snacks…love!!
And this salad is perfect for me with the raw, fresh dressing and the apples. I always add at least one fruit to my salads and that pinch of chili pepper in the dressing with the sweets, awesome. We’re only getting up to 10 degrees here today so its more soup than salad for us now but when we get back, this one is on my list. Lovely Brandi ;0
10 degrees?! Oh, my that is sooo cold! I complain in the 40’s here, haha! Thank you Angela!
Beautiful fresh crisp salad and luscious dressing. This is a great way to get your veggies in a very tasty way!
Thank you Suzanne!
That dressing – yum! Looks so substantial š
Thank you! Yes, it’s thick and hearty!
I love peppers and apples and that dressing looks delish! Your photos are absolutely beautiful Brandi!!! You are so talented. You should do a post about photography. I know I could use some help, lol!
Awww thank you Melanie! So sweet of you to say that! I may need to…I’ve had several people ask me to….I guess it’s time I did one….that post itself will take some time, lol! š
Gorgeous – so nice to see all of those bright, crisp colors this time of year! And I’m with ya – gimme Honeycrisp apples! My favorite.
Thank you so much Annie! I agree….honey crisp are so unbelievably delish!