Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Crisp and refreshing, this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is the perfect dish for any gathering or cozy dinner. Packed with vibrant flavors from tart apples, crunchy pecans, and crispy bacon, this salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re serving it on Thanksgiving or enjoying it as a light lunch, its sweet and tangy dressing elevates it to a standout side or main dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this delightful salad, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of sweet apples, tangy cranberries, and savory bacon creates a balanced flavor profile that satisfies all taste buds.
- Versatile ingredients: You can easily customize the salad by swapping ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Healthy option: With fresh greens and nutritious toppings, this salad is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday meal or a casual picnic, this salad fits seamlessly into any menu.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette seamlessly, having the right tools will make preparation easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Jar with lid
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Jar with lid: Ideal for shaking the vinaigrette dressing thoroughly without mess.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing the salad ingredients together evenly.
- Knife: Essential for chopping fruits and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while preparing ingredients safely.
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.
- If desired, make it ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, add all the salad ingredients.
- Lightly drizzle about 2/3rds of the prepared dressing over the top.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side for those who want more flavor.
Enjoy your colorful and tasty Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette!
How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is versatile and perfect for many occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
As a Main Course
- Serve it as a light main dish by adding grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein. This will make the salad more filling while complementing the flavors.
With Bread
- Pair the salad with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. The bread can help soak up any leftover vinaigrette, making for a delicious bite.
On a Buffet
- Include this salad in a buffet spread alongside other seasonal dishes. Its vibrant colors and textures will attract guests and add variety to your offerings.
For Meal Prep
- Prepare individual servings in mason jars for an easy lunch option throughout the week. Layer the ingredients with dressing at the bottom to keep everything fresh.
With Seasonal Fruits
- Add citrus slices like oranges or pomegranates for a burst of flavor and additional nutrients. This enhances both taste and presentation.
As a Side Dish
- Serve alongside roasted meats, like turkey or pork, during holiday gatherings. It complements rich dishes beautifully and adds freshness to the plate.
How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
To ensure your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is always a hit, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh apples and greens make a big difference in flavor and texture. Opt for crisp veggies and ripe fruits when preparing your salad.
- Toast pecans: Toasting nuts enhances their flavor. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Customize your dressing: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by adding more maple syrup or honey based on your preference.
- Chill before serving: Let the salad sit after tossing it with dressing for about 10 minutes in the fridge. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding different cheeses like goat cheese or nuts such as walnuts for added texture and taste variety.
- Serve immediately: For optimal crunchiness, serve the salad right after mixing it to prevent wilting of greens.
Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This Autumn Salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here’s a list of perfect accompaniments.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts seasoned with garlic make an excellent side that contrasts well with the salad’s sweetness.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup adds comfort while enhancing autumn flavors.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs provides a nutritious grain option that pairs nicely with fresh salads.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes bring richness to your meal, balancing out the lightness of the salad.
- Butternut Squash Risotto: Creamy risotto featuring roasted butternut squash offers warmth and hearty satisfaction.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that echoes the apple cider notes in your salad.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide variety and richness, making it an ideal pairing for this fresh salad.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies contribute smokiness that contrasts beautifully against the freshness of your salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a little and add more as needed to ensure each bite is flavorful but not drenched.
- Choosing the wrong apples: Not all apples work well in salads. Opt for tart varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the other flavors.
- Skipping the toasting step: Failing to toast pecans may leave them bland. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch, so don’t skip this step.
- Not prepping ingredients properly: Cutting apples ahead of time without lemon juice can lead to browning. Dice them just before serving or toss them with lemon juice for freshness.
- Ignoring texture variety: A salad needs different textures for interest. Ensure you have crispy bacon, crunchy nuts, and creamy feta combined with crisp greens.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to texture changes in lettuce and other ingredients.
- If you must freeze, consider freezing only the dressing for up to 1 month.
Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm bacon separately until crispy again.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on low power, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Lightly heat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette.
Can I use different greens for this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
Yes! While Romaine or Green Leaf works great, feel free to mix in spinach or kale for added nutrition and flavor.
How long can I store the vinaigrette?
You can store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before using.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, Gorgonzola crumbles make a wonderful alternative with a similar creamy texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until serving. This helps keep your salad fresh longer while allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite nuts or swapping in seasonal fruits. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course, making it perfect for any autumn gathering!
Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette brings together the season’s best flavors in a crisp and vibrant dish. Featuring crunchy pecans, tart apples, and savory bacon atop fresh greens, this salad is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Drizzled with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette that balances sweetness and tanginess, it’s the ideal addition to your Thanksgiving table or a refreshing choice for a light lunch. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, this versatile salad can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Whether served as a main course or alongside roasted meats, it’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 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
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese (sub: Gorgonzola crumbles)
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar. Seal tightly and shake until well mixed.
- In a large 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 ingredients and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately with additional dressing on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
