Introduction: A Cozy and Tangy Fall Salad to Celebrate the Season
Autumn is the season of warm flavors, cozy gatherings, and vibrant, colorful produce. If you’re looking for a dish that captures the essence of fall, this Apple Cider Vinaigrette Autumn Harvest Salad is a must-try. Perfect for any fall occasion, this salad combines fresh, crisp apples, juicy pears, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts, all dressed in a sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette. It’s a beautiful, seasonal dish that will brighten up your table with its bright colors and fresh flavors.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this autumn salad, from its origin to its step-by-step preparation. Plus, we’ll dive into a few variations and tips to make it your own. Let’s dig in!
What is Apple Cider Vinaigrette Autumn Harvest Salad?
The Apple Cider Vinaigrette Autumn Harvest Salad is a vibrant salad filled with seasonal fruits and greens. The salad is topped with a tangy and slightly sweet apple cider vinaigrette, giving it that perfect fall flavor. It’s a versatile salad that combines the crispness of apples, the sweetness of pears, and the savory crunch of toasted nuts, all while offering an extra layer of flavor from the vinaigrette dressing. The salad can be served as a side dish or a light meal, making it a versatile option for any autumn occasion, from Thanksgiving dinners to casual get-togethers.
This autumn salad is a delightful and refreshing contrast to heavier, winter dishes. It’s packed with fresh ingredients that come together in a harmonious way, creating a perfect balance between savory, sweet, and tangy.
Origin of the Recipe: A Taste of Fall Inspired by Seasonal Ingredients
The idea behind this recipe is inspired by the harvest season when apples, pears, nuts, and cranberries are in abundance. It’s a celebration of nature’s bounty, designed to make the most of these seasonal ingredients. Apple cider vinaigrette is a classic autumn dressing, made with the iconic taste of apple cider vinegar, which brings a tangy depth to the salad. The idea of combining fresh greens with fall fruits and nuts has been around for years, but this particular version elevates the dish with its homemade vinaigrette and customizable ingredients.
Ingredients: A Fresh Mix of Fall Produce and Flavorful Add-ins
The ingredients in this recipe reflect the freshness of the season, combining fruit, greens, and nuts for a deliciously balanced salad. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix) – These greens are light, fresh, and full of flavor, serving as the perfect base for the salad.
- 1–2 medium apples, thinly sliced – Honeycrisp or Gala apples are great choices for their sweetness and crunch.
- 1 pear, thinly sliced (optional) – Adds a juicy, sweet contrast to the apples.
- ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries – Their tartness adds a burst of sweetness and texture.
- ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts – Toasted nuts bring a warm, crunchy element that complements the fruits and greens.
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional) – Creamy cheese for a savory bite, balancing the sweetness of the fruits.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional) – Adds a bit of sharpness, enhancing the flavor profile of the salad.
For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar – The star ingredient for that quintessential fall tang.
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (or apple juice) – Adds a citrusy sweetness to complement the vinegar.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Provides a touch of spice and depth to the vinaigrette.
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup – A natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the vinegar.
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil – A rich, smooth base for the vinaigrette.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Here’s how to create the Apple Cider Vinaigrette Autumn Harvest Salad from start to finish:
1. Make the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the apple cider vinegar, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified (smooth and creamy).
- Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, sliced pear, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and red onion (if using).
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss to coat everything evenly in the dressing, making sure the salad is lightly dressed but not drenched.
3. Serve
- Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta over the salad (if using).
- For an extra touch, you can garnish with a few fresh apple slices or additional nuts for presentation.
Tips and Variations: Customizing Your Salad
While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are many ways to customize it depending on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Make Ahead: If you want to prepare this salad in advance, store the vinaigrette separately and toss the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
- Add Roasted Veggies: For a heartier salad, roast some butternut squash or sweet potatoes and toss them in. These veggies add an extra layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Crunch Boost: If you want an extra crunch, add roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nutty texture.
- Vegan Version: Omit the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully vegan-friendly salad.
- Make it Heartier: To make this salad a full meal, consider adding cooked quinoa, farro, or roasted chicken to make it more filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. Just keep the dressing separate and toss everything together right before serving.
2. Can I use a different type of vinegar for the vinaigrette?
Apple cider vinegar is ideal for the tangy flavor, but you could substitute with white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a slightly different taste.
3. Can I substitute the nuts?
Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or just prefer a different flavor, try substituting with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
4. Is there a way to make the salad more filling without adding meat?
Yes! Adding quinoa, farro, or chickpeas will boost the salad’s protein content and make it a more substantial meal.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Fall Salad You’ll Want to Make Again
This Apple Cider Vinaigrette Autumn Harvest Salad is the perfect way to bring the flavors of autumn to your table. With its crisp apples, juicy pears, and tangy vinaigrette, it’s a salad that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. The beauty of this dish is that it’s customizable, so you can make it your own with roasted veggies, crunchy nuts, or even quinoa for a complete meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this autumn salad will be the star of your fall celebrations. Try it today, and embrace the season’s fresh flavors in every bite!
Apple Cider Vinaigrette Autumn Harvest Salad: A Flavorful Fall Delight
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Apple Cider Vinaigrette Autumn Harvest Salad is a vibrant salad filled with seasonal fruits and greens. The salad is topped with a tangy and slightly sweet apple cider vinaigrette, giving it that perfect fall flavor. It’s a versatile salad that combines the crispness of apples, the sweetness of pears, and the savory crunch of toasted nuts, all while offering an extra layer of flavor from the vinaigrette dressing. The salad can be served as a side dish or a light meal, making it a versatile option for any autumn occasion, from Thanksgiving dinners to casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
1–2 medium apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)
1 pear, thinly sliced (optional)
½ cup dried cranberries or cherries
½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp fresh orange juice (or apple juice)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and honey until combined.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples and pear, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and red onion.
Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat evenly.
3. Serve
Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or feta on top just before serving.
Optional: Garnish with extra nuts or a few fresh apple slices for presentation.
Notes
Add a handful of toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch, and a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese to enhance the autumn flavors. Serve chilled for a refreshing, seasonal salad!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Autumn Salad, Fall Harvest Salad, Apple Cider Vinaigrette Salad, Harvest Salad with Apples, Seasonal Autumn Salad
