Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Crisp, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering or simply craving a refreshing meal, this salad is sure to impress. The combination of tart apples, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Plus, the homemade apple cider vinaigrette adds a sweet and tangy finish that ties everything together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad can be whipped up in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Enjoy the delightful mix of tart apples, crispy bacon, and creamy feta cheese.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish for dinner or as a light main course for lunch.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with fresh greens and nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dressing can be prepared in advance, making it even easier to serve.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, have these essential tools on hand.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mason jar or salad shaker
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mason jar or salad shaker: Ideal for mixing the vinaigrette quickly and easily without making a mess.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to toss all the salad ingredients together without spillage.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when dicing apples and chopping lettuce.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertop while providing a stable surface for cutting.
Ingredients
Crisp greens are topped with tart apples, sweet dried cranberries, feta cheese, toasted pecans, and crispy bacon in this Autumn Salad. Finish off with our sweet and tangy Apple Cider Vinaigrette.
For the Dressing
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (sub: honey)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Salad
- 8 cups crisp Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce, chopped (approximately 1 head of lettuce)
- 2 medium tart red apples, cored and diced (do not peel) (recommended: Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (sub: fresh pomegranate seeds)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (see Cooking Notes)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (try baking it ahead of time)
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese (sub: Gorgonzola crumbles)
How to Make Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- Add all the dressing ingredients to a mason jar or salad shaker.
- Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until well combined.
- Refrigerate if making ahead; it can be stored for 2-3 days.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients except for the dressing.
- Lightly drizzle about 2/3rds of the dressing over the top of the salad.
- Toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side for guests to add as they please.
Enjoy your delicious Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette!
How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to suit your occasion or personal preferences.
As a Main Dish
- Add grilled chicken or turkey slices for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside quinoa or farro to boost the protein content.
As a Side Salad
- Pair with roasted meats like turkey or pork.
- Great as an accompaniment to sandwiches or wraps for lunch.
For Gatherings
- Present on a large platter for potlucks or holiday dinners.
- Individual servings in jars make a fun picnic option.
With Bread
- Serve with crusty baguette slices for a satisfying crunch.
- Pair with garlic bread for added flavor and texture.
How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
To ensure your Autumn Salad stands out, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh greens and apples enhance the overall flavor and texture of the salad.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting pecans before adding them gives a deeper, nuttier taste that complements the salad.
- Experiment with dressings: While apple cider vinaigrette is delicious, try swapping in other dressings like balsamic or honey mustard for variety.
- Add seasonal toppings: Incorporate roasted squash or beets for an autumn twist and extra nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
When serving this salad, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs well with the tartness of the apples.
- Brussels Sprouts: Sautéed or roasted, they add a crunchy texture that harmonizes with the salad’s ingredients.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light and fluffy side that adds protein and makes it more filling.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, these potatoes balance the salad’s crispness.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: A seasonal favorite that provides rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: The gooey cheese and garlic flavors will elevate any meal when served alongside this salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t let small errors ruin your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh greens and apples elevate the salad’s flavor. Always choose the freshest produce available.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the flavors. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Forgetting to toast pecans: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and crunch. Take a few extra minutes to toast them in a dry skillet before adding.
- Using the wrong type of apple: Tart apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp provide the best balance of sweetness and tartness. Avoid overly sweet varieties for this recipe.
- Skipping the bacon: Bacon adds a delicious savory element. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try crispy chickpeas as a substitute.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
- It will keep fresh for up to 2 days, but the lettuce may wilt.
Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad as it can change the texture of the greens and apples.
Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes, covered.
- Microwave: Heat on medium for 30-second intervals, checking frequently until warm.
- Stovetop: Lightly sauté in a pan over low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette that might help you in preparing it.
How can I customize my Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
You can add seasonal vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes or swap feta for goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator.
What else can I add to my Autumn Salad?
Consider adding grilled chicken, quinoa, or sliced pears for added protein and texture.
Is this salad healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with vitamins from the greens and fruits while providing healthy fats from olive oil and nuts.
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on your tastes or dietary needs. Whether served at Thanksgiving or enjoyed any day of fall, it’s sure to please your palate. Give it a try!
Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of fall with this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. This refreshing dish combines crisp greens, tart apples, and crunchy pecans for a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or a light lunch, this salad is topped with sweet dried cranberries and creamy feta cheese, all drizzled with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette that adds a tangy sweetness to each bite. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s an easy yet impressive addition to your seasonal meals.
Ingredients
- 8 cups crisp Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce, chopped
- 2 medium tart red apples, cored and diced (recommended: Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (sub: honey)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by mixing olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a mason jar. Shake well and refrigerate.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, diced apples, cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and toss gently until coated. Serve immediately with additional dressing on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
