Crisp, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this salad brings together the freshness of greens and the sweetness of apples. Topped with crunchy pecans and crispy bacon, it strikes a delightful balance that will leave your taste buds dancing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this delicious salad, making it ideal for busy days.
Flavorful Combination: The blend of tart apples, sweet cranberries, and creamy feta creates a symphony of tastes that everyone will enjoy.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this salad by swapping ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in season.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this salad fits right in.
Healthy Choice: Packed with vitamins and nutrients from fresh produce, it’s a guilt-free addition to your meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather some essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment will ensure that your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette comes together perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Jar with lid
Large mixing bowl
Chopping board
Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

Jar with lid: Ideal for shaking up the dressing; ensures an even mix of flavors.
Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to toss all ingredients without making a mess.
Chopping board: Keeps your workspace tidy while allowing you to chop fruits and vegetables safely.
Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for fruits and greens, enhancing presentation.

Ingredients

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 into a jar with a lid.
Seal the jar tightly and shake well until all ingredients are combined.
You can prepare this dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add all the salad ingredients including chopped lettuce, diced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese.
Lightly drizzle about two-thirds of the prepared dressing over the top.
Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side for those who want more flavor.

Enjoy your delightful Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, filled with seasonal goodness!

How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether as a main course or a side dish, it pairs beautifully with various accompaniments.

As a Main Course

Add grilled chicken – Grilled chicken breast can elevate the salad into a satisfying meal.
Include quinoa – Tossing in cooked quinoa offers extra protein and makes it more filling.

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside turkey – This salad complements roasted turkey perfectly, making it ideal for Thanksgiving.
Pair with hearty soups – A warm bowl of soup pairs well with the crispness of the salad.

With Extra Toppings

Sprinkle additional nuts – Chopped walnuts or almonds can add more crunch and flavor.
Add extra cheese – Try including goat cheese for a different taste profile.

For Meal Prep

Store dressing separately – Keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Use mason jars – Layer ingredients in jars for easy grab-and-go lunches.

How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

To make your Autumn Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance flavors and presentation.

Use fresh ingredients – Fresh greens and ripe apples make all the difference in taste.
Toast pecans – Toasting nuts brings out their flavor; do this before adding them to the salad.
Make dressing ahead – Prepare the vinaigrette in advance for an easy assembly when ready to serve.
Adjust sweetness – If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add more maple syrup or honey to taste.
Experiment with herbs – Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can give your salad an aromatic twist.

Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Looking for perfect side dishes to complement your Autumn Salad? Here are some excellent choices that enhance any meal.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness balances the tartness of the salad.
Stuffed Acorn Squash – This cozy dish adds warmth and pairs perfectly during fall dinners.
Creamy Potato Gratin – A rich side that contrasts nicely with the crisp textures of the salad.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – The savory flavors enhance your meal while keeping it seasonal.
Garlic Breadsticks – Soft, buttery breadsticks are always a hit and great for dipping!
Butternut Squash Soup – The smooth texture complements the crunchy elements of your salad well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making an Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to prevent them.

Not balancing flavors – Ensure the sweetness of apples and cranberries is balanced with the tanginess of the vinaigrette. Adjust ingredients as needed for a harmonious taste.
Using wilting greens – Always use fresh, crisp greens. Wilted lettuce can ruin the texture. Check freshness before starting your salad.
Overdressing the salad – Avoid soggy greens by dressing the salad lightly. You can always add more if needed after tossing.
Ignoring ingredient substitutions – Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients like feta for Gorgonzola or dried cranberries for pomegranate seeds based on availability or preference.
Making the dressing last minute – Prepare your vinaigrette ahead of time and let it sit to enhance flavors. This makes your preparation smoother.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crispness.

Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture loss of greens and fruits.
If you must freeze, only freeze ingredients like bacon and pecans separately.

Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bacon or pecans for about 5-10 minutes.
Microwave – Heat bacon or pecans in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warm.
Stovetop – Quickly sauté any leftovers in a pan over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of greens in my Autumn Salad?

Yes, feel free to use spinach, arugula, or mixed greens instead of Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce.

How long does homemade apple cider vinaigrette last?

Homemade vinaigrette can last in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days when stored properly in a sealed jar.

What can I substitute for maple syrup in the vinaigrette?

Honey is a great alternative if you’re looking for something different. It adds a similar sweetness!

Is this Autumn Salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just store the salad and dressing separately until you’re ready to eat. It makes a fantastic quick meal!

Final Thoughts

This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with seasonal ingredients or swap out cheese and nuts based on your taste preferences. Enjoy this delightful dish at gatherings or as a refreshing side throughout fall!

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Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a delightful blend of crisp greens, sweet apples, and savory toppings that captures the essence of fall. This vibrant salad is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it suitable for everything from cozy family dinners to festive Thanksgiving feasts. The homemade apple cider vinaigrette adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the textures of crunchy pecans and crispy bacon. With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. It’s fresh, healthy, and a wonderful addition to any meal!

Ingredients

Scale

8 cups Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce
2 medium tart red apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
8 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
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 with a lid. Shake well until combined.
In a large mixing bowl, add chopped lettuce, diced apples, cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese.
Drizzle two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American