Crisp and vibrant, this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is the perfect addition to your fall gatherings. Featuring a delightful combination of tart apples, sweet dried cranberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy pecans, this salad is not only flavorful but also visually appealing. It’s an ideal choice for Thanksgiving dinners, potlucks, or simply as a refreshing side dish during the autumn months. The highlight is the homemade apple cider vinaigrette that ties all the ingredients together with its sweet and tangy notes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is quick to whip up for any occasion.
Seasonal Flavors: Enjoy the essence of fall with fresh apples and cranberries that add a festive touch.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from greens and nuts, this salad is as good for you as it is delicious.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish; it complements various proteins beautifully.
Make-Ahead Dressing: The apple cider vinaigrette can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, gather a few essential tools that will make your cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Jar with lid
Large mixing bowl
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

Jar with lid: Ideal for mixing the dressing; it allows you to shake ingredients thoroughly for a well-blended vinaigrette.
Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space for tossing the salad ingredients without making a mess.
Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping fruits and vegetables.
Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts on your produce, making prep work quicker and easier.

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 tightly and shake until well combined. You can make this dressing ahead of time; store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients:

Crisp greens
Diced apples
Dried cranberries
Chopped pecans
Crumbled bacon
Feta cheese

Lightly drizzle about 2/3rds of the dressing over the top. Toss gently to combine everything evenly. Serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette! This recipe not only bursts with flavor but also celebrates the season beautifully.

How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Serving the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and textures. This salad can be a star on your table, whether at a casual lunch or a festive dinner.

As a Main Course

Add Grilled Chicken: Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken for a satisfying meal.
Include Quinoa: Mix in cooked quinoa for added protein and texture.

As a Side Dish

Pair with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted seasonal veggies to complement the salad’s freshness.
Accompany with Soup: A warm butternut squash soup makes a comforting addition to this autumn-inspired dish.

For Special Occasions

Serve at Thanksgiving Dinners: This salad is perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing color and flavor to the table.
Offer at Potlucks: Its vibrant look and delicious taste make it an excellent potluck choice that guests will love.

How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

To achieve the best results with your Autumn Salad, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh greens and crisp apples elevate the flavors of your salad.
Toast Pecans Lightly: Toasting nuts enhances their flavor, making them even more delicious in your salad.
Make Dressing Ahead: Prepare the Apple Cider Vinaigrette in advance for convenience; it can be stored in the fridge for several days.
Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to swap ingredients like feta or bacon based on your preferences or dietary restrictions.

Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Complementing your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is easy with these tasty side dishes. Each option adds great variety to your meal.

Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup warms up any meal while adding seasonal flavors.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks are perfect for scooping up leftover dressing from your plate.
Stuffed Acorn Squash: Roasted acorn squash stuffed with grains and cranberries matches nicely with the salad’s sweetness.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the tangy vinaigrette.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts add crunch and depth to your meal.
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake: Creamy cauliflower topped with cheese provides a rich contrast to the lightness of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring ingredient quality: Using inferior ingredients can diminish the flavor of your salad. Always choose fresh, high-quality produce and toppings for the best results.
Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with less dressing and add more as needed to achieve your desired taste.
Skipping the toasting step: Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and crunch. Don’t skip this step; it makes a significant difference in your salad’s overall taste.
Neglecting texture variety: A good salad has a mix of textures. Ensure you balance crispy, creamy, and chewy elements for a satisfying bite.
Not preparing in advance: You can save time by prepping ingredients ahead of time. Chop your apples, toast pecans, and cook bacon beforehand to streamline the assembly process.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in greens and other ingredients.
If you must freeze, store only the components that freeze well (like nuts) separately.

Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread ingredients on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: In a pan over medium heat, stir gently until heated, being careful not to overcook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making an Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

Can I use different greens for my Autumn Salad?

Absolutely! While Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with spinach or kale for added nutrition and flavor.

How can I customize my Apple Cider Vinaigrette?

You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or swap it with honey. For added zing, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or minced garlic.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is perfect for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you prefer a different flavor, Gorgonzola crumbles work well as an alternative. You could also use goat cheese for a creamier texture.

Final Thoughts

This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not only delightful but versatile enough for any occasion. Enjoy its crisp flavors and vibrant colors as a side dish or main course. Feel free to customize it with seasonal ingredients like pears or walnuts to suit your taste!

Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a delightful celebration of fall flavors, perfect for any gathering. This vibrant salad combines crisp greens, tart apples, and sweet dried cranberries, topped with creamy feta cheese and crunchy pecans. Drizzled with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette that balances sweetness and tanginess, it’s not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. Whether served as a refreshing side dish at Thanksgiving or as a light main course, this salad embodies the essence of the season.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (optional)
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

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Instructions

Prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake well to combine.
In a large bowl, toss together chopped lettuce, diced apples, cranberries, pecans, bacon (if using), and feta cheese.
Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American