Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Crisp and fresh, this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is the perfect dish for seasonal gatherings. With tart apples and sweet cranberries, it offers a delightful mix of flavors that complements any meal. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or enjoying a cozy fall evening, this salad stands out with its vibrant colors and textures. The sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette ties everything together, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dressing
• For the Salad
• How to Make Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
• Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
• Step 2: Assemble the Salad
• How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
• As a Main Dish
• As a Side Dish
• In a Picnic or Potluck
• With Additional Toppings
• How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
• Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
• Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different nuts in my Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
• How long does the Apple Cider Vinaigrette last?
• Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
• What other toppings can I add?
• Can I make this salad vegan-friendly?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of tart apples, sweet cranberries, and creamy feta creates a unique taste experience.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for holiday meals or as a light lunch on its own.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh greens and fruits, this salad is good for you.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dressing in advance, saving time when you’re ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the ingredients, gather your tools to make the preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Jar with lid
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Jar with lid: Ideal for shaking up the vinaigrette without making a mess.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to toss all the salad ingredients thoroughly.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping fruits and vegetables evenly.

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

1. Add all the dressing ingredients to a jar with a lid.
2. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until well combined.
3. Store in the refrigerator if not using immediately; it keeps well for 2-3 days.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients—chopped lettuce, diced apples, cranberries, chopped pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese.
2. Drizzle about 2/3rds of the prepared dressing over the salad.
3. Toss gently to combine all ingredients well.
4. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.

How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. It pairs beautifully with various dishes, making it an excellent choice for any meal or gathering.

As a Main Dish

• This salad can be served as a light main course. The combination of protein from bacon and feta makes it satisfying enough for lunch or dinner.

As a Side Dish

• Pair it with roasted meats. The sweet and tangy flavors of the salad complement roasted chicken or turkey perfectly.
• Serve alongside grilled fish. The freshness of the salad enhances the flavors of grilled salmon or tilapia.

In a Picnic or Potluck

• Pack it for picnics. This salad is easy to transport and stays fresh with the dressing on the side.
• Bring it to potlucks. Its colorful presentation and delightful taste will impress your friends and family.

With Additional Toppings

• Customize with avocado slices. Adding creamy avocado gives extra richness and healthy fats.
• Top with quinoa for added nutrition. This boosts protein content while making the salad even more filling.

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How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

To make this Autumn Salad truly shine, consider these tips that enhance flavor and presentation.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh apples and greens will elevate the taste, ensuring each bite is crisp and flavorful.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerating the salad for about 30 minutes allows flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive dish.
• Toast pecans: Lightly toasting pecans adds an extra crunch and enhances their nutty flavor, making them irresistible.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, feel free to add more maple syrup or honey according to your taste.
• Mix greens: Combine Romaine with other greens like arugula for varied textures and flavors in your salad bowl.
• Serve immediately: For optimal freshness, serve the salad right after tossing it together to maintain crispness.

Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Serving this Autumn Salad alongside complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the tartness of the salad beautifully.
2. Grilled Chicken Skewers: These provide a hearty protein option that pairs well with the flavors of the salad.
3. Quinoa Pilaf: A light, fluffy quinoa dish adds a healthy grain component without overpowering the main flavors.
4. Butternut Squash Soup: A warm soup complements the coolness of the salad while adding autumnal flavors to your meal.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Crunchy breadsticks offer an enjoyable contrast in texture when paired with this fresh salad.
6. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses to provide different tastes that pair well with both the salad and other dishes served.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Using the wrong type of greens: Opt for crisp Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce. Other greens can wilt quickly and affect the salad’s texture.
• Skipping on the vinaigrette mixing: Always shake or whisk your dressing well before adding it to the salad. This ensures an even distribution of flavors.
• Not toasting nuts: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Skip this step, and your salad may lack depth.
• Overdressing the salad: Start with a light drizzle of vinaigrette. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away if you add too much.
• Choosing bland apples: Go for tart apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Sweet varieties won’t provide the contrasting flavor needed in this salad.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the vinaigrette separate until serving to maintain freshness.

Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad as it will affect the texture of the ingredients.

Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and lightly warm ingredients without wilting greens.
• Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds on high, stirring halfway through, but be cautious not to cook the greens.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different nuts in my Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?

You can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans. Each nut brings its own unique flavor!

How long does the Apple Cider Vinaigrette last?

The vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just shake well before using.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The Autumn Salad can be prepared ahead of time; just keep ingredients separate until serving.

What other toppings can I add?

Consider grilled chicken, roasted squash, or additional fruits like pears for extra flavor and texture.

Can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! Omit the bacon and feta cheese and replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan version.

Final Thoughts

This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite seasonal ingredients. Try it today and enjoy a comforting dish that’s perfect for any gathering!