Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

If you’re looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish to brighten up your table this fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is truly a favorite of mine. It beautifully combines crisp greens with the sweet crunch of apples, the tartness of cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of pecans. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting family and friends for a cozy gathering, this salad fits right in.

What makes this recipe special is not only its delightful flavor but also how quick and easy it is to prepare. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a beautiful salad that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of tart apples, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
• Make-ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for about 2-3 days—saving you time on the day of your meal.
• Versatile: This salad works wonderfully as a side dish or a light main course, adapting easily to fit any occasion.
• Family-approved: Everyone loves this colorful mix! It’s sure to become a staple in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh ingredients is part of the fun! For this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, you’ll find that everything you need is wholesome and simple. Let’s take a look at what goes into this delightful dish:

For the Dressing

• 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

For the Salad

• 8 cups chopped Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce (approximately 1 head of lettuce per batch)
• 2 medium tart red apples (cored and diced; recommended: Fuji or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup dried cranberries (or 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 (or Gorgonzola crumbles)

Variations

One of the best things about this Autumn Salad is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: If you’re looking for something lighter, try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas instead of bacon.
• Change up the greens: Feel free to use spinach or kale if you prefer—they both pair wonderfully with the vinaigrette!
• Try different fruits: Experiment with pears or even dried figs for an exciting twist on flavor.
• Make it vegan: Simply omit the bacon and feta cheese or substitute with vegan-friendly options to suit your dietary needs.

How to Make Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

To start off, grab a jar with a lid. Add all the dressing ingredients—extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Sealing the jar tightly, give it a good shake until everything is well combined. Making your own dressing not only tastes better but also ensures it’s fresh and free from preservatives!

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Next up is assembling your salad! In a large bowl, toss together all your chopped greens along with those beautiful diced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, cooked bacon bits, and crumbled feta cheese. Now comes one of my favorite parts: drizzle about two-thirds of that lovely dressing over the top. Toss everything gently until it’s coated just right—this step helps distribute all those amazing flavors throughout!

Step 3: Serve

Finally, transfer your gorgeous salad to serving plates or bowls. I like to serve it with any remaining dressing on the side because who doesn’t love an extra drizzle? Your guests will appreciate being able to add more if they wish! Enjoy every delicious bite knowing you’ve created something truly special!

Now that you’ve mastered this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, I hope it becomes as beloved in your home as it is in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Creating a delicious Autumn Salad is all about the details. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Use fresh, crisp greens: Fresh Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce provides the perfect base for your salad and ensures maximum crunch and flavor.

• Toast the pecans: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. A quick toast in a dry skillet or the oven can make a significant difference.

• Choose the right apples: Opt for tart apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp, as their sweetness balances wonderfully with the tangy vinaigrette and complements other ingredients.

• Make dressing ahead of time: Preparing your Apple Cider Vinaigrette in advance not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing its taste.

• Serve chilled: Letting your salad chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving can help brighten flavors and make it even more refreshing!

How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

When it comes to serving your Autumn Salad, presentation is key! Consider these ideas to impress your guests and make meal time even more enjoyable.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Extra cranberries: A handful of extra dried cranberries on top can add a pop of sweetness that makes each bite delightful.
• Apple slices: Thinly sliced apples arranged around the edges of your salad plate create an appealing visual element while echoing the ingredients in the dish.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: These caramelized bites add depth to your meal, complementing the freshness of your salad with their nutty flavors.

• Quinoa pilaf: This nutty grain dish brings protein and fiber to your table, making it a wholesome side that pairs well with autumn flavors.

• Sweet potato wedges: Roasted sweet potatoes drizzled with olive oil add a touch of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the salad’s tartness.

• Grilled chicken skewers: If you’re looking for some protein, marinated grilled chicken can be a hearty addition that keeps everything light yet satisfying.

Enjoy crafting this vibrant Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette—it’s sure to be a hit at gatherings or as part of your weeknight meals!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the salad and dressing separate to maintain freshness.
• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If possible, add the nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the greens and apples.
• If you’ve prepared extra dressing, it can be frozen in small portions for future use.

Reheating

• There’s no reheating necessary for this salad; simply toss and serve cold!
• If you prefer warm ingredients, consider gently warming any cooked components like bacon or pecans separately before adding them to the salad.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette!

Can I make the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette without nuts?

Absolutely! If you’re looking to avoid nuts, you can simply omit them or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

How long does the dressing for the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette last?

The dressing can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just give it a good shake before using it again!

What kind of apples are best for this Autumn Salad?

Tart apples such as Fuji or Honeycrisp work wonderfully in this salad. They add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette! It’s not only vibrant and delicious but also packed with seasonal flavors that will warm your heart. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with loved ones!