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