If you’re craving a fresh burst of fall flavors, this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Packed with crisp lettuce, sweet and tart apples, crunchy pecans, and the irresistible savory crunch of bacon, it strikes the perfect balance between textures and tastes. The star of the show, of course, is the tangy apple cider vinaigrette that ties every ingredient together with just the right hint of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just want a salad that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe is absolutely worth making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating a salad that’s bursting with flavor and texture. From crisp greens to aromatic vinaigrette components, every element is essential to achieving that perfect autumnal harmony.
- 8 cups chopped Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce: Provides a crisp, fresh base that keeps the salad light and refreshing.
- 2 medium tart red apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp), diced: Adds a juicy sweetness and pleasant crunch that highlights the season.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: Offers bursts of tartness, complementing the savory and sweet components beautifully.
- 1 cup toasted pecans: Adds nuttiness and crunch, making every bite interesting and satisfying.
- 8 slices crispy bacon, crumbled: Brings a smoky, savory depth that contrasts deliciously with the fruit and cheese.
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy tang and balances the sweetness with a slight saltiness.
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: Creates a smooth, rich base for the vinaigrette that coats the salad perfectly.
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar: The acidic punch that brightens the dressing with unmistakable apple cider flavor.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey): Sweetens the vinaigrette naturally and enhances the autumn mood.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a mild tang and emulsifies the dressing for perfect consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and spice to complete the dressing.
How to Make Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Vinaigrette
Start by combining the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Give it a good shake until the ingredients meld into a smooth, tangy dressing. If you’re making this ahead of time, chilling it helps the flavors deepen and the vinaigrette thicken just right.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together your chopped Romaine or green leaf lettuce, diced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese. These ingredients bring together a playful mix of nutty, fruity, crunchy, and creamy elements that define this salad’s charm.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Drizzle about two-thirds of the apple cider vinaigrette over the salad ingredients, then gently toss everything to ensure every bite is coated in that sweet and tangy dressing. Be gentle so the greens don’t get bruised but every component still tastes bright and flavorful.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your salad immediately and offer the remaining dressing on the side for guests or family members who want a little extra zing. This salad shines best when fresh, with crisp textures and lively flavors locked in.
How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans or a handful of fresh apple slices on top for a visually inviting presentation. A few more crumbled bacon bits or an additional crumble of feta can also elevate the flavor profile and add that final thoughtful touch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with hearty autumn mains like roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a warm butternut squash soup. The crispness and acidity of the salad provide an excellent counterpoint to richer, comforting dishes typical of the season.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive vibe, serve the salad in individual mason jars layered beautifully with ingredients visible through the glass. Alternatively, arrange it on a rustic wooden platter for a family-style feast that invites everyone to dig in and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep the salad components and dressing stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge to preserve their freshness. Toss everything just before serving to avoid soggy lettuce and maintain that perfect crunch.
Freezing
This salad isn’t freezing-friendly because leafy greens and fresh apples lose their texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored briefly in the refrigerator as described above.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad because its magic lies in the crisp, fresh textures and cold dressing. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce for this salad?
Absolutely! While Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce provides a nice crunch and mild flavor, you can substitute baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens to suit your preference or what’s on hand.
Is it okay to substitute maple syrup with honey in the vinaigrette?
Yes, honey works beautifully as a natural sweetener in this vinaigrette and complements the apple cider vinegar and mustard just as well as maple syrup does.
Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?
Definitely! In fact, making the apple cider vinaigrette ahead of time enhances its flavors. Just give the jar a good shake before using it to re-emulsify the ingredients.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To keep the spirit of the salad but make it vegan, skip the bacon and feta. You can add roasted chickpeas for crunch and use a plant-based cheese alternative if desired.
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly browned. This step unlocks their rich, nutty flavor and adds an irresistible crunch to your salad.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe that captures the wholesome spirit of the season in every bite. It’s fresh, vibrant, and wonderfully satisfying, making it a go-to whether you want a light lunch, a show-stopping side, or a colorful centerpiece for your fall table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it all autumn long!
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Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for the fall season. It combines crisp Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce with juicy tart apples, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, savory crispy bacon, and tangy crumbled feta cheese. Topped with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette that balances sweetness and acidity with maple syrup and Dijon mustard, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors ideal for a light lunch or a festive side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups chopped Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce
- 2 medium tart red apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp), diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- 8 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (substitute: honey)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a jar. Seal it tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well blended. For best flavor, chill the dressing if making ahead of time.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce, diced tart apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled crispy bacon, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss these ingredients to mix evenly.
- Toss with dressing: Drizzle about two-thirds of the prepared apple cider vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to ensure the salad is coated evenly with the dressing, enhancing all the flavors without wilting the greens.
- Serve: Immediately transfer the tossed salad to serving bowls or plates. Serve with the remaining dressing on the side to allow diners to add extra flavor as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute honey for maple syrup in the dressing for a slightly different sweetness.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the crispy bacon.
- To toast pecans, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Serve this salad immediately to keep the lettuce crisp and prevent it from becoming soggy.
- The salad can be prepped ahead of time but toss with dressing just before serving.
