Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Crisp and flavorful, this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette captures the essence of fall. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, cozy dinners, or as a tasty side dish any day of the week. The combination of tart apples, sweet dried cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans creates a delightful mix of textures and tastes. The homemade apple cider vinaigrette adds a sweet and tangy finish that elevates this salad to a new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sweet and savory elements makes each bite exciting.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for potlucks, holiday meals, or a simple weeknight dinner.
- Nutritious & Healthy: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is as good for you as it is tasty.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dressing can be prepared in advance, allowing you to save time on busy days.
Tools and Preparation
To create this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette efficiently, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Jar with a lid
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Jar with a lid: Great for shaking the vinaigrette ingredients together without making a mess.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to toss all the salad ingredients evenly.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when chopping fruits and vegetables.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a safe space to prepare your ingredients.
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 into a jar with a lid.
- Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until fully combined.
- You can make this dressing ahead of time; it stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients:
- Chopped lettuce
- Diced apples
- Dried cranberries
- Toasted pecans
- Crumble bacon over the top
-
Sprinkle feta cheese
-
Drizzle about 2/3rds of the prepared dressing over the salad mixture.
- Toss gently to combine everything without bruising the greens.
Step 3: Serve
- Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls.
- Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side for guests to add as they prefer.
How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This vibrant Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your salad experience.
As a Main Course
- A hearty addition: Serve this salad as a main course by adding grilled chicken or roasted turkey slices for extra protein.
- Vegetarian delight: For a filling vegetarian option, include chickpeas or quinoa to make the salad more substantial.
With Grilled Meats
- Perfect pairing: This Autumn Salad complements grilled meats like steak or chicken, enhancing the flavors and providing a refreshing crunch.
- Sizzling sausages: Try pairing it with grilled sausages for a cozy autumn meal; the smoky flavors work beautifully together.
As Part of a Buffet
- Crowd-pleaser: Offer this salad as part of a buffet spread at holiday gatherings, allowing guests to customize their plates with various sides.
- Make it festive: Add decorative elements like edible flowers or extra apple slices on top to make it visually appealing.
With Warm Bread
- Comfort food combo: Serve alongside warm crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping into the leftover vinaigrette.
- Garlic toast option: Garlic toast adds an extra layer of flavor and pairs well with the sweetness of the salad.
How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
To ensure your Autumn Salad shines, follow these simple tips. They will enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Choose fresh ingredients: Always use fresh greens and apples to maintain crunch and flavor. Freshness is key in salads.
- Customize the nuts: Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds based on your taste preference. Each nut adds its unique richness.
- Adjust sweetness: Modify the maple syrup according to your sweetness preference. Taste as you go!
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the prepared salad (without dressing) for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve dressing on the side: Offering dressing separately lets guests customize their salads, keeping greens crisp longer.
- Add seasonal toppings: Consider adding roasted squash or pumpkin seeds in fall for additional seasonal flair and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Pairing side dishes with your Autumn Salad enhances the dining experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this vibrant salad perfectly.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes bring warmth and earthiness to the table.
- Creamy Potato Gratin: This rich dish adds comfort alongside the light, crisp salad, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: Sweet acorn squash stuffed with grains and spices makes for an elegant side that resonates with fall flavors.
- Savory Quinoa Pilaf: A light yet filling option packed with herbs and spices that pairs well without overpowering the salad’s flavors.
- Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of soup complements the freshness of the salad while adding seasonal warmth to your meal.
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: These offer a delightful crunch and gooeyness that balances well with the tangy vinaigrette in your salad.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of homemade cranberry sauce can add a sweet-tart element that anchors perfectly in your autumn theme.
- Baked Brie with Fig Jam: This luxurious cheese spread provides richness that pairs beautifully with apple cider flavors in your salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making an Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the dressing preparation: Many people forget to prepare the dressing ahead of time. Make it first, so flavors have time to meld.
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Always check your greens and fruits for freshness before using them.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the salad. Start with a little and add more if needed.
- Not toasting nuts: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Skip this step, and you miss out on a delicious crunch.
- Ignoring ingredient substitutions: If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t hesitate to substitute! There are many great alternatives for apples and cheese.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad as fresh ingredients lose texture and flavor when thawed.
Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the salad in an oven-safe dish, cover it, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette.
How do I make the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
To make this salad, mix all ingredients in a large bowl after preparing the dressing in a jar.
Can I use different greens for the salad?
Yes! Feel free to substitute Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce with spinach or mixed greens for variety.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Gorgonzola crumbles work well as an alternative if you prefer a stronger cheese flavor.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The total prep time is only 15 minutes, making it quick and easy to prepare!
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not only vibrant but also packed with flavor. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a refreshing side dish any day of the week. Customize it by adding your favorite nuts or using seasonal fruits for even more variety!
Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of fall with this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. This delightful dish combines crisp greens, tart apples, sweet dried cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans for a unique mix of textures and tastes. Tossed in a homemade apple cider vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or as a refreshing side any day. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create a healthy and nutritious salad that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 8 cups crisp Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce, chopped
- 2 medium tart red apples, cored and diced
- 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
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by combining all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid. Shake well until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped lettuce, diced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately on plates with remaining dressing on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
