Description
Chopped Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Dressing is a vibrant dish that captures the flavors of fall in every bite. Fresh romaine lettuce is combined with crunchy candied pecans, juicy apples and pears, crispy bacon, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a sweet and tangy apple cider dressing. This salad is not only visually appealing but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a light lunch. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it offers a delicious balance of sweet and savory that will impress your guests. Enjoy this nutritious salad as a standalone dish or alongside grilled chicken or soup for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 red apple (diced)
- 1 Anjou pear (diced)
- 3–4 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- ½ red onion (chopped)
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅔ cup pecans (or walnuts)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup apple juice
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by combining apple juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, and black pepper in a jar. Shake well and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix chopped romaine lettuce, diced apples, diced pears, crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, dried cranberries, and feta cheese.
- Toast pecans in a medium pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes; add brown sugar and cinnamon until dissolved. Cool before adding to the salad.
- Add cooled nuts to the salad mix and pour the dressing over it. Toss gently until everything is well-coated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg