Crisp, refreshing, and bursting with fall flavors, this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that fits perfectly for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or enjoying a casual family dinner, this salad stands out with its combination of tart apples, sweet cranberries, and savory bacon. The homemade apple cider vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together, creating a deliciously balanced meal that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Combination: This salad features a perfect mix of sweet and savory ingredients that create a vibrant flavor profile.
Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
Versatile Serving Options: It works well as a side dish or a main course, making it suitable for any meal.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh produce and healthy fats from nuts and olive oil, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Jar with lid
Large bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Jar with lid: Ideal for shaking the dressing ingredients together without mess.
Large bowl: Provides enough space to toss all the salad components thoroughly.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate amounts of ingredients for perfect flavor balance.

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 into a jar with a lid.
Seal tightly and shake vigorously until well combined.
You can prepare this dressing ahead of time; it lasts in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients: lettuce, apples, cranberries, pecans, bacon, and feta cheese.
Lightly drizzle about 2/3rds of the prepared dressing over the salad.
Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side for those who want more flavor!

How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether as a light lunch or a festive side, it’s sure to impress your guests.

As a Standalone Lunch

This salad makes for a quick and healthy lunch option, packed with nutrients and flavor. Simply toss the salad and enjoy!

Accompanied by Protein

Pair the salad with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal. The protein complements the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.

Buffet Style

Serve this salad on a buffet table during gatherings or parties. It adds color and variety to any spread, making it an attractive choice for guests.

In a Wrap

Wrap the salad in a whole grain tortilla for a delicious and portable meal. This is great for picnics or on-the-go lunches.

Topped on Toast

Use the salad as a topping for toasted bread or crostini. The crispy elements add texture and make for an excellent appetizer.

How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

To elevate your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, consider these tips for an even more delightful experience.

Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh greens, crisp apples, and quality feta will enhance the overall taste of your salad.
Toast pecans: Toasting pecans before adding them brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor.
Make dressing ahead: Prepare the vinaigrette in advance to allow flavors to meld together. Store it in the fridge until ready to use.
Experiment with fruits: Try substituting apples with pears or adding seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds for added sweetness and color.
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the maple syrup or honey to suit your taste.
Add crunch: For extra texture, consider adding crispy chickpeas or crunchy croutons to your salad.

Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Pairing side dishes with this Autumn Salad enhances your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors beautifully.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs well with the tangy vinaigrette in the salad.
Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish adds protein and grains, making your meal more filling.
Butternut Squash Soup: Warm soup provides comfort alongside this refreshing salad, creating a balanced meal.
Garlic Breadsticks: Crunchy breadsticks offer a delightful contrast to the crispness of the salad.
Brussels Sprouts Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from shredded Brussels sprouts adds another layer of flavor while keeping things light.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses complements both textures and tastes found in the salad, making it perfect for gatherings.
Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs brings freshness that mirrors the vibrant autumn flavors of the main dish.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms provide umami richness that harmonizes well with sweet notes from apples in the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating an Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Using the wrong apples: Not all apples are created equal. Choose tart varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast.
Overdressing the salad: Less is more when it comes to dressing. Start with a small amount and add more if needed to keep the salad from becoming soggy.
Skipping the toasting step: Toasting your pecans enhances their flavor significantly. Don’t skip this step for a richer taste.
Not balancing flavors: Ensure you have a mix of sweet, tart, and savory elements. This balance is key for an enjoyable Autumn Salad.
Ignoring freshness: Use crisp greens and fresh ingredients. Wilted lettuce or stale nuts can ruin your salad’s appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Consume within 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Freezing not recommended: The salad’s texture will suffer after freezing, especially the greens and apples.
Instead, prepare ingredients separately and combine when ready to eat.

Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm bacon bits for a few minutes before adding them back to the salad.
Microwave: Heat individual portions quickly on low power; avoid overheating to prevent sogginess.
Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat to gently warm any leftover bacon or nuts, ensuring they stay crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use Gorgonzola crumbles or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile in your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge without dressing. Consume within three days for optimal freshness.

Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding roasted squash, grilled chicken, or other seasonal vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or substitutes. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or as a side dish any time of year. Give it a try and savor its delightful flavors!

Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

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

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Description

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this Autumn Salad featuring a homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette. This vibrant dish combines crisp greens, tart apples, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and savory bacon, all drizzled with a tangy dressing that perfectly balances the sweetness of maple syrup and the kick of Dijon mustard. Whether served as a Thanksgiving side or a wholesome lunch, this salad is not just healthy but also customizable to suit your taste. Enjoy its delightful mix of textures and flavors that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for seasonal produce.

Ingredients

Scale

8 cups Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce
2 medium tart red apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
8 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
4 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
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

To make the dressing, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar with a lid. Shake well until blended.
In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, diced apples, cranberries, pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese.
Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No cooking
Cuisine: American