Autumn Chopped Salad with Apples, Cranberries, Pecans, and Feta Recipe
Introduction
This Autumn Chopped Salad is a vibrant mix of crisp lettuce, sweet apples, tart cranberries, crunchy candied pecans, salty bacon, and tangy feta. It’s a perfect salad to celebrate the flavors of fall, ready in just 25 minutes and ideal for a light lunch or a festive side dish.
Ingredients
- 8 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- 2 cups Spring Mix lettuce
- 2 small Red Delicious or Gala apples, sliced thin
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped candied pecans
- 8 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled
- 4 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled
- Creamy Poppy Seed salad dressing, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Romaine, Spring Mix, sliced apples, dried cranberries, chopped candied pecans, crumbled bacon, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Step 2: Divide the salad into individual serving bowls and drizzle each with creamy poppy seed dressing according to your preference. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For added sweetness, substitute the dried cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries.
- Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty crunch.
- If you prefer vegetarian, omit the bacon and add roasted chickpeas for protein.
- Try a light vinaigrette instead of the creamy poppy seed dressing for a tangier twist.
Storage
Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, toss everything together and add dressing just before serving. Prepared salad is best enjoyed fresh and may wilt if stored combined.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for creamy poppy seed dressing?
A honey mustard dressing or balsamic vinaigrette pairs well with the flavors in this salad if you want a different dressing option.
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Autumn Chopped Salad with Apples, Cranberries, Pecans, and Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and fresh autumn chopped salad featuring a delightful mix of crisp Romaine and Spring Mix lettuces, sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, crunchy candied pecans, savory bacon, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed together and served with a luscious creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- 2 cups Spring Mix lettuce
- 2 small Red Delicious or Gala apples, sliced thin
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped candied pecans
- 8 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- Creamy poppy seed salad dressing, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce and Spring Mix lettuce to create the fresh base for the salad.
- Add fruits, nuts, and cheese: Add the thinly sliced apples, dried cranberries, chopped candied pecans, and crumbled feta cheese to the greens. This blend of sweet, tart, and savory ingredients creates a balanced flavor profile.
- Incorporate the bacon: Add the crisp-cooked and crumbled bacon to the salad, tossing gently to distribute evenly and add a smoky crunch to every bite.
- Toss the salad: Carefully toss all ingredients until they are well combined and mixed evenly throughout the bowl.
- Serve with dressing: Divide the mixed salad into individual serving bowls. Top each serving with your desired amount of creamy poppy seed dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas.
- To keep the salad crisp, add the dressing just before serving.
- Use Gala apples for a sweeter taste or Granny Smith apples for a more tart flavor.
- Candied pecans can be homemade by tossing pecans with sugar and a bit of cinnamon, then baking briefly.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but leftovers can be stored without dressing in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: autumn salad, chopped salad, apple salad, cranberry salad, pecan salad, feta cheese salad, poppy seed dressing, fall recipes, healthy salad
