Crisp and refreshing, the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette beautifully combines sweet and savory flavors. This salad is perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to holiday gatherings. The mix of tart apples, crunchy pecans, and crispy bacon creates a delightful contrast, while the homemade vinaigrette ties it all together with a sweet and tangy kick. Enjoy this vibrant dish as a main or side salad, making it a versatile addition to your fall menu.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Dressing
- For the Salad
- How to Make Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- As a Starter
- With Grilled Proteins
- At Holiday Gatherings
- As Meal Prep
- How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different greens in my Autumn Salad?
- How long will the Apple Cider Vinaigrette last?
- Is this Autumn Salad suitable for meal prep?
- Can I make this salad vegan?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of flavors—tart apples, sweet cranberries, and salty feta—creates a delightful taste experience.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at Thanksgiving or enjoy it as a light lunch; it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh greens and fruits, this salad is both delicious and good for you.
- Make-Ahead Dressing: The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for convenient use.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Jar with lid
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Jar with lid: Ideal for shaking up the dressing ingredients, ensuring they blend well together.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk or spoon: Essential for mixing the dressing thoroughly before adding it to the salad.
Ingredients
Crisp greens are topped with tart apples, sweet dried cranberries, feta cheese, toasted pecans, and crispy bacon in this Autumn Salad. Finish off with our sweet and tangy Apple Cider Vinaigrette.
For the Dressing
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (sub: honey)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Salad
- 8 cups crisp Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce, chopped (approximately 1 head of lettuce)
- 2 medium tart red apples, cored and diced (do not peel) (recommended: Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (sub: fresh pomegranate seeds)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (see Cooking Notes)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (try baking it ahead of time)
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese (sub: Gorgonzola crumbles)
How to Make Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- Add all the dressing ingredients to a jar with a lid.
- Seal the jar tightly.
- Shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined.
- Store in the refrigerator if not using immediately; it keeps well for 2-3 days.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, add all the salad ingredients including chopped lettuce, diced apples, cranberries, pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle about 2/3rds of the dressing over the top.
- Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
- Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.
Enjoy your delicious Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette!
How to Serve Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Serving your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette can elevate any meal, making it a delightful addition to gatherings or family dinners. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance its presentation and flavor.
As a Starter
- Small Portions: Serve in smaller bowls as an appetizer before the main course.
- Individual Jars: Layer the salad ingredients in mason jars for a fun, portable option.
With Grilled Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: Pair with grilled chicken for a heartier meal that complements the salad’s freshness.
- Steak Slices: Top with thinly sliced steak for a bolder taste that balances well with the sweet vinaigrette.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Thanksgiving Table: This salad makes a colorful centerpiece on any holiday table, adding seasonal flair.
- Potluck Favorite: Bring it to potlucks; its vibrant colors and flavors will impress guests and make it a standout dish.
As Meal Prep
- Make Ahead: Prepare the salad without dressing and store it in airtight containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Dressing on Side: Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

How to Perfect Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
To achieve the best results with your Autumn Salad, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your salad is fresh, flavorful, and visually appealing.
- Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for optimal taste. Crisp lettuce and ripe apples make all the difference.
- Customizable Add-Ins: Feel free to add other seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranate seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Proper Bacon Cooking: Bake bacon instead of frying for evenly cooked pieces that stay crispy longer without excess grease.
- Vinaigrette Balance: Adjust the sweetness of your vinaigrette by modifying the maple syrup or honey according to your taste preference.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance flavor and add an aromatic touch to your salad.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting your salad chill in the refrigerator before serving can help meld the flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
The Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds depth and warmth to your meal.
- Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty side dish offers protein and complements the crispness of the salad beautifully.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: Sweet and savory stuffed squash can be a hearty addition, perfect for fall gatherings.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks brushed with garlic butter provide a comforting contrast to the salad’s freshness.
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Rich and creamy potatoes create a satisfying balance against the lightness of the salad.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup enhances autumn flavors while keeping things cozy and inviting.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce echoes the dried cranberries in the salad while adding brightness to your plate.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweetened by roasting, these potatoes serve as a hearty complement to any fall meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Ignoring ingredient freshness: Always use fresh greens and apples. Wilted lettuce or bruised fruit can spoil the salad’s flavor.
- Overdressing the salad: Start with a small amount of dressing. You can always add more, but it’s hard to fix an overdressed salad.
- Skipping the toasting step: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Skipping this step means missing out on that rich taste.
- Not adjusting for sweetness: Different apples have varying sweetness levels. Taste your apples and adjust the maple syrup in the dressing accordingly.
- Making it too far in advance: While you can prepare some parts ahead, assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 2 days in the fridge. The longer it sits, the soggier it becomes.
Freezing Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad as vegetables may become mushy when thawed.
- If you want to freeze ingredients, consider freezing only the dressing.
Reheating Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread any leftover components on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use short bursts of heat at 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed. Avoid high heat to prevent wilting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding the Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette.
Can I use different greens in my Autumn Salad?
You can definitely switch up greens! Spinach or mixed baby greens work well as alternatives.
How long will the Apple Cider Vinaigrette last?
The vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before using.
Is this Autumn Salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and combine them just before eating for maximum freshness.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Omit the bacon and feta cheese, and consider adding chickpeas for protein instead.
Final Thoughts
The Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors that celebrate fall. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Give it a try and enjoy a deliciously refreshing dish perfect for any occasion!
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Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. This delightful dish brings together the crispness of fresh greens, the sweetness of juicy apples, and the savory crunch of pecans and bacon, all drizzled with a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this salad not only adds color to your table but also packs a nutritious punch. With its easy preparation in just 15 minutes, it’s a versatile addition to your fall menu that can be enjoyed as a main dish or side.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce, chopped
- 2 medium tart apples, cored and diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 8 slices cooked crumbled bacon
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake well and refrigerate until ready.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, diced apples, cranberries, pecans, crumbled bacon, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg