Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Crisp, refreshing, and full of autumn flavors, this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or looking for a healthy weeknight meal, this salad delivers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. The combination of tart apples, sweet dried cranberries, and savory bacon creates a unique blend that will surely impress your guests. Plus, the homemade apple cider vinaigrette adds a sweet and tangy finish that ties everything together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an easy choice for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Each bite offers a burst of flavor from the apples and cranberries, complemented by the richness of feta and bacon.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish or main course, this autumn salad suits various occasions, from casual meals to festive gatherings.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with fresh ingredients and nutrients, this salad is a delicious way to incorporate healthy greens into your diet.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
Making the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is straightforward with the right tools. Having these essentials on hand will make your preparation smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Jar with lid
- Large bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Jar with lid: Great for shaking up the dressing quickly without mess.
- Large bowl: Provides enough space for tossing all ingredients evenly.
- Knife: Essential for dicing apples and chopping lettuce efficiently.
- Cutting board: Keeps your workspace clean while you 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 to a jar with a lid.
- Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until well combined.
- You can make this ahead of time; just store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine 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.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately with any leftover dressing on the side for those who like extra flavor.
This refreshing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or a cozy dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.
As a Main Course
- This salad can stand alone as a light main dish, especially when topped with grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
As a Side Salad
- Pair this salad alongside roasted meats like turkey or pork to complement the flavors of autumn.
In Individual Bowls
- Serve the salad in individual bowls for a more personal touch at gatherings. It creates an inviting presentation.
With Extra Toppings
- Offer optional toppings such as sliced avocado or pumpkin seeds on the side, allowing guests to customize their salads.
As Part of a Buffet
- Include this salad in a buffet spread during festive occasions. It adds color and freshness to your table.
How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh greens and crisp apples will enhance the overall taste of your salad.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting brings out the nutty flavor, adding depth to your salad.
- Chill the dressing: A cold dressing will keep your salad crisp and refreshing.
- Mix just before serving: Tossing the salad just before serving prevents sogginess and maintains texture.
Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Pairing side dishes with your Autumn Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These bring sweetness that complements the tart apples in the salad.
- Garlic Bread: A crunchy garlic bread pairs perfectly for those who crave something hearty.
- Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts add a savory crunch that enhances the fall flavors.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutritious quinoa pilaf adds substance while keeping with the healthy theme.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: This seasonal dish provides warmth and comfort to your meal.
- Creamy Potato Gratin: For those who enjoy creamy textures, this dish offers a rich contrast to your fresh salad.
- Cauliflower Rice: Light and low-carb, cauliflower rice is an excellent option for health-conscious diners.
- Pumpkin Soup: Start your meal with a warm bowl of pumpkin soup for an extra touch of fall comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Using stale greens: Always choose fresh, crisp greens. Wilted or old lettuce can ruin the salad’s texture and flavor.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your dressing adequately. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the overall taste of your Autumn Salad.
- Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with less, and add more as needed until you find the right balance.
- Not toasting nuts: Toasting pecans brings out their flavor. Skip this step, and you’ll miss out on a delightful crunch that complements the salad nicely.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh apples and good feta cheese can elevate your dish significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The salad is best eaten within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the texture changes in fresh ingredients.
- If necessary, freeze only the components like bacon and nuts separately.
Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bacon or nuts on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use short intervals (15-20 seconds) to warm only bacon or other cooked ingredients, avoiding greens.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making an Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette.
Can I customize my Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute ingredients like grilled chicken, quinoa, or different cheeses based on your preferences.
What can I use instead of maple syrup in the dressing?
You can substitute honey for maple syrup if desired. Both options add sweetness and depth to the vinaigrette.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is perfect for meal prep. Just store the dressing separately until ready to serve.
How long does homemade apple cider vinaigrette last?
Homemade apple cider vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Shake well before using again.
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette combines crisp greens, tangy apples, and savory toppings to create a delightful dish perfect for any fall gathering. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients while savoring every bite!
Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the flavors of fall with our Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. This vibrant salad is a delightful medley of crisp greens, tart diced apples, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and savory crumbled bacon, all drizzled with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette that perfectly balances sweetness and tanginess. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply looking for a healthy weeknight meal, this dish is both quick to prepare and versatile enough to serve as a refreshing side or a satisfying main course. Enjoy the wonderful textures and tastes that make this salad a seasonal favorite!
Ingredients
- 8 cups crisp Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce, chopped
- 2 medium tart red apples, cored and diced (Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil for dressing
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar for dressing
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey) for dressing
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for dressing
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt for dressing
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper for dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar. Seal and shake until well blended.
- In a large bowl, mix chopped lettuce, diced apples, cranberries, pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately with any remaining 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: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
