Description
A refreshing and cozy autumn salad featuring a blend of fresh greens, crisp apples, crunchy toasted nuts, tart cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and creamy cheese, all tossed in a tangy and sweet apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or vibrant side dish, this salad celebrates the best flavors of fall in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- Mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, romaine) – about 5 cups
- 2 crisp apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Wash and Dry the Greens: Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly under cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with clean towels to ensure the greens stay crisp and not soggy.
- Slice the Apples: Core the apples and thinly slice them into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on for extra color and nutrients.
- Toast the Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pecans or walnuts until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the dried greens, sliced apples, toasted nuts, cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and crumbled feta or goat cheese.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the apple cider vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to coat everything evenly, being careful not to bruise the greens.
Notes
- Use the freshest greens and apples possible for the best flavor and crunch.
- Taste the vinaigrette before tossing and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
- Watch the nuts carefully when toasting to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Slice apples evenly to maintain consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Add dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg