Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Crisp, refreshing, and packed with seasonal flavors, this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is the perfect dish for any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. The combination of tart apples, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans harmonizes beautifully with the creamy feta and smoky bacon. Plus, the homemade apple cider vinaigrette ties everything together with its sweet and tangy notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an easy choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The mix of tart apples, sweet cranberries, and savory bacon creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for holiday meals or a light lunch option—this salad fits into any occasion.
- Nutritious Option: Packed with vitamins from fresh greens and fruits, this salad is not only delicious but also healthy.
- Customizable Recipe: Easily swap ingredients like nuts or cheese to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this tasty autumn salad, gather a few essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Jar with lid (for dressing)
- Whisk (optional)
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all ingredients without spilling.
- Jar with lid: Perfect for shaking up the dressing quickly and storing leftovers in the fridge.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping apples and greens easier and safer.
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 well combined.
- If you prefer making it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add all salad ingredients: chopped lettuce, diced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese.
- Lightly drizzle about 2/3rds of the dressing over the top of the salad.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients well.
- Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side for extra flavor.
Enjoy your deliciously wholesome Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette!
How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Pairing it with the right accompaniments enhances its flavors and makes for a well-rounded meal.
As a Standalone Lunch
- Enjoy this salad on its own for a light yet satisfying lunch option. The combination of crunchy apples, creamy feta, and crispy bacon makes it filling.
With Grilled Chicken
- Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken for added protein. This not only makes the dish heartier but also complements the sweet and tangy dressing.
As a Thanksgiving Side
- Serve this salad alongside your Thanksgiving turkey. Its vibrant colors and flavors provide a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
With Crusty Bread
- Accompany your salad with slices of crusty bread or baguette. This adds a nice texture and allows you to scoop up more of that delicious vinaigrette.
Mixed into Wraps
- Use this salad as a filling for wraps. Combine it with your choice of protein in a tortilla for a portable meal that’s packed with flavor.
How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
To ensure your Autumn Salad shines at every gathering, consider these helpful tips:
-
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh greens and crisp apples elevate the overall taste. Always choose ripe, seasonal produce for the best flavor.
-
Toast the pecans: Toasting brings out the natural oils and enhances the nuttiness of pecans, adding depth to your salad.
-
Make dressing ahead: Prepare the vinaigrette in advance. Allowing it to sit for an hour lets the flavors meld beautifully.
-
Customize toppings: Feel free to mix in other toppings, like sliced almonds or goat cheese, based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Pairing side dishes with this Autumn Salad creates a delightful culinary experience. Here are some excellent options:
-
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These naturally sweet vegetables complement the tartness of apples perfectly.
-
Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf adds protein and fiber, making it an excellent choice for a complete meal.
-
Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of butternut squash soup brings cozy flavors that pair well with the salad’s brightness.
-
Herb-Infused Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with fresh herbs provides a nice contrast in texture while enhancing the meal’s overall flavor profile.
-
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter offer indulgence and balance out the freshness of the salad.
-
Grilled Vegetables: Charred seasonal vegetables add smokiness that contrasts nicely with the sweet elements in the salad.
-
Cranberry Sauce: A small serving of cranberry sauce echoes the dried cranberries in the salad while adding another layer of flavor.
-
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can serve as an elegant addition, inviting guests to explore different tastes alongside their salad servings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating the perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the dressing prep: Many people forget that a well-made dressing elevates the salad. Always prepare your vinaigrette in advance for better flavor integration.
- Overloading on ingredients: It’s easy to go overboard with toppings. Stick to a balanced mix of flavors and textures to highlight each ingredient.
- Using dull knives: A blunt knife can bruise greens and apples, affecting texture. Always use a sharp knife for clean cuts and appealing presentation.
- Not tasting as you go: Failing to taste your salad before serving can lead to unbalanced flavors. Adjust seasoning and sweetness based on your preference.
- Serving too cold: If the salad is stored in the fridge for too long, it might be too cold when served. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
- Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- Keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve.
Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Freezing not recommended: The ingredients may lose texture and quality when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Sauté gently in a pan over low heat until just warmed; avoid wilting greens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dressing up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
What apples work best for this salad?
Tart varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp add great flavor and crunch. Avoid overly sweet apples which may alter taste balance.
How can I customize my Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like roasted squash or replace feta with goat cheese for different flavors!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or seasonal produce. Enjoy this comforting dish at gatherings or as part of your weekday meals!
Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Crisp, vibrant, and bursting with seasonal flavors, the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a delightful addition to any table. This salad combines tart apples, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and savory bacon, all topped off with creamy feta cheese. The homemade apple cider vinaigrette adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess to elevate the dish. Ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings or as a cozy weeknight dinner option, this nourishing salad is easy to prepare in just 15 minutes. Customize it with your favorite ingredients or enjoy it as-is for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
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 apple cider vinaigrette by combining all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid. Seal tightly and shake until well mixed.
- 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 vinaigrette 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 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
