Crisp and refreshing, the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a delightful blend of flavors that celebrates the season. With tart apples, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans topped with a homemade vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Its vibrant colors and textures make it a standout addition to any fall meal.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Vinaigrette
- For the Salad
- How to Make Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- As a Standalone Meal
- With Grilled Chicken
- Accompanied by Crusty Bread
- On a Bed of Quinoa
- With Extra Vinaigrette on the Side
- How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette special?
- Can I customize my Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
- How long does it take to prepare the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
- What can I serve with this salad?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This salad can be assembled in just 15 minutes, making it a quick option for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of apples, cranberries, and feta cheese brings together sweet and savory tastes, creating a satisfying dish.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at Thanksgiving, or enjoy it as a light lunch. It pairs well with various main courses.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with vitamins from fresh greens and fruits, this salad is not only delicious but also healthy.
- Make-Ahead Dressing: The vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days, saving you time.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Jar with lid
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Jar with lid: Perfect for shaking up your vinaigrette without mess. It ensures an even mix of ingredients.
- Large mixing bowl: Allows enough space to toss all your salad ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk or fork: Useful for combining dressing ingredients smoothly if you prefer mixing by hand.
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 Vinaigrette
- 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 jar with a lid.
- Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until well combined.
- You can make this dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients including chopped lettuce, diced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese.
- Lightly drizzle about 2/3rds of the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side for drizzling as desired.
This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette will surely impress your guests while being simple enough for everyday meals! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It makes a delightful main dish or a perfect side for any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
As a Standalone Meal
- A nutritious option: Serve it as a light lunch or dinner, providing balanced flavors and textures.
With Grilled Chicken
- Add protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken breast slices for a hearty meal.
Accompanied by Crusty Bread
- Perfect pairing: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious vinaigrette.
On a Bed of Quinoa
- Boost nutrition: Place the salad on cooked quinoa for added fiber and protein.
With Extra Vinaigrette on the Side
- Flavor enhancement: Offer extra dressing for guests who enjoy a tangier taste.
How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
To make your Autumn Salad even more delightful, consider these simple tips that enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Choose fresh ingredients: Use seasonal produce for the best taste; crisp greens and ripe apples make all the difference.
- Toast pecans lightly: Toasting enhances their flavor; just a few minutes in a skillet will do.
- Mix colors and textures: Combine various types of greens or add colorful veggies like bell peppers to brighten your salad.
- Serve chilled: Refrigerate the salad before serving to keep it refreshing, especially on warm days.
Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Pairing side dishes with your Autumn Salad can complement its flavors beautifully. Here are some excellent options that will enhance your meal.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy, caramelized sprouts add depth and earthiness to your meal.
- Butternut Squash Soup: A warm, creamy soup offers comfort alongside the crispness of the salad.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, they provide a satisfying contrast to the fresh salad.
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Rich and creamy potatoes create a luxurious pairing with your healthy salad.
- Cranberry Sauce: A sweet-tart sauce echoes the cranberries in your salad and adds festive flair.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the flavors in the salad while adding extra nutrients.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A seasoned pilaf brings additional texture and heartiness to your table.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds summer vibes and pairs well with fall flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, avoid these common mistakes to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness is key. Always opt for fresh greens and apples for a vibrant taste.
- Skipping the dressing: Don’t forget the vinaigrette! It enhances the flavors of the salad. Mix it well before drizzling.
- Overdressing the salad: Less is more. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed to avoid sogginess.
- Ignoring ingredient substitutions: If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, feel free to swap them out. For example, use honey instead of maple syrup.
- Forgetting to toast nuts: Toasted pecans add depth. Always toast your nuts for extra flavor before adding them to the salad.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Consume within 2-3 days for the best quality.
Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to its fresh components.
- If necessary, freeze only the dressing separately for up to one month.
Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 5-10 minutes; however, it’s best served cold.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for short bursts of 20 seconds if desired; be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat for gentle warming, but again, it’s tastier chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette special?
This salad combines crisp greens with tart apples and sweet cranberries, topped off by a delightful homemade vinaigrette that perfectly captures fall flavors.
Can I customize my Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
Absolutely! You can switch out fruits or nuts based on your preference or what you have available at home.
How long does it take to prepare the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
The total prep time is just 15 minutes, making it a quick addition to any meal or gathering.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a side dish during Thanksgiving and other festive occasions.
Final Thoughts
The Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. Its combination of sweet and savory ingredients makes it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it to suit your tastes and enjoy every bite!
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Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Delight in the flavors of fall with this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. This vibrant and refreshing salad combines crisp Romaine lettuce, tart Fuji apples, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all topped off with a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for family gatherings or as a light lunch, it offers a satisfying mix of sweet and savory that truly captures the essence of the season. With its colorful presentation and nutritious ingredients, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with vitamins and health benefits. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite protein for a complete dish.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce, chopped
- 2 medium Fuji or Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 8 slices cooked crumbled bacon
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- For the vinaigrette, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar. Seal tightly and shake until combined.
- In a large bowl, mix together the chopped lettuce, diced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle about 2/3rds of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
