Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette – 20-Minute Recipe

Fall harvest salad with apple cider vinaigrette is the perfect dish to celebrate the season’s bountiful produce. This refreshing and nutritious salad combines the flavors of crisp apples, hearty Brussels sprouts, toasted pecans, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or a side dish to complement your fall meals, this recipe offers a light yet satisfying option that takes just 20 minutes to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Fall Harvest Salad

The fall harvest salad with apple cider vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s a quick-to-make, healthy salad that can be enjoyed on warm fall evenings or as a part of your holiday spread. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like apples, Brussels sprouts, and pomegranate seeds, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tangy apple cider vinaigrette brings it all together, making it a standout addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• Pecans: These toasted nuts add a rich flavor and crunchy texture to the salad.
• Brussels Sprouts: Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts provide a hearty, crunchy base for the salad.
• Spring Mix: A blend of leafy greens that adds freshness and color.
• Apples: Crisp and sweet apples like Honeycrisp provide a burst of fall flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a tart and chewy element to the salad, complementing the sweetness of the apples.
• Pomegranate Seeds: These add a pop of color and a sweet, slightly tart flavor.
• Feta: Crumbled feta brings a creamy, tangy contrast to the salad’s crunchy ingredients.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or even candied walnuts for added sweetness.
• Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try blue cheese or gorgonzola for a stronger flavor profile.
• Leafy Greens: If spring mix isn’t available, use romaine or any other leafy green you enjoy.
• Fruit: Pears make a wonderful alternative or addition to apples for a more complex flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans in a single layer on a small baking sheet. Toast them for 7-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Set them aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Slice the Brussels sprouts thinly using a food processor or mandolin. You’ll need about 8 cups of thinly sliced Brussels sprouts.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the Brussels sprouts with the spring mix. Add the sliced apples, dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, toasted pecans, and feta cheese.
4. Make the Vinaigrette: In a medium bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the Olive Oil: Gradually stream in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens.
6. Serve: Drizzle the apple cider vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients.

Tips & Tricks

• Toast the Pecans: For even toasting, you can toast pecans on the stove using a skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Apple Selection: For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Honeycrisp apples work especially well in this salad.
• Dressing: The recipe makes about 1 cup of dressing, so add it to the salad gradually. You may have some left over, which can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• Cutting Brussels Sprouts: If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a knife or mandolin to slice the Brussels sprouts.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This fall harvest salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats, such as chicken or turkey. For a heartier meal, serve it with warm, crusty bread or even a slice of cranberry no-knead bread to complement the fall flavors. To make the salad more substantial, you can add grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for a protein boost. For those who prefer a more indulgent version, try adding candied walnuts or switching the feta for creamy goat cheese.

For a lighter version, you could swap out the maple syrup in the vinaigrette with a little honey, or omit it altogether if you prefer a less sweet dressing.

Seasonal Appeal

This Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is the perfect dish to bring to your autumn gatherings or serve as a cozy weeknight dinner. With ingredients that highlight the best of the season, it makes a delightful addition to any table, whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just enjoying the crisp air of fall.

Conclusion

This Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a perfect way to embrace the flavors of the season. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light main course or serving it as a side dish, the combination of crispy apples, Brussels sprouts, and toasted pecans, all topped off with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, makes this salad a must-try for fall. It’s simple to make, packed with nutrients, and easily customizable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Enjoy this salad as a refreshing addition to any meal, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your fall recipe repertoire!

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More Relevant Recipes

• Pineapple Quick Bread: This moist and flavorful quick bread brings a hint of tropical sweetness, perfect for the fall season. With its natural sweetness from the pineapple, it pairs wonderfully with the Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette for a light yet satisfying meal.
• Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles: For a heartier, comforting dish, this slow-cooked beef and noodles recipe provides a savory option that complements the light and fresh flavors of the Fall Harvest Salad. Ideal for a cozy fall evening, this meal is full of rich flavor and tenderness.
• Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad: If you love vibrant salads, this Mediterranean-inspired chicken salad is a must-try. Featuring fresh veggies and a creamy tzatziki dressing, it shares the healthy, refreshing appeal of the Fall Harvest Salad, while offering a different flavor profile that’s just as satisfying.

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