If you’re craving a salad that perfectly captures the crisp, colorful essence of the season, look no further than this Autumn Chopped Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe. This vibrant salad is a delightful mix of fresh kale, juicy apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy dried cranberries, all brought together by a sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette. It’s a celebration of autumn’s finest flavors in every bite, making it an irresistible dish you’ll want to serve all fall long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, combining simple, fresh, and wholesome elements that add layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the earthy kale to the tart apples, every bite is a perfect balance of crisp and tender, sweet and savory.
- 4 cups chopped kale: The hearty base that provides a satisfying chew and plenty of nutrition.
- 1 cup diced apples: Adds a juicy, sweet crunch that brightens up the salad.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Offers a subtle earthy sweetness and lovely orange color.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Brings a toasty crunch and rich flavor to the mix.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Adds a burst of tart sweetness that complements the dressing perfectly.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the fruit and nuts.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: The star acid in the vinaigrette that packs a punch of autumnal flavor.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Balances the acidity of the vinegar with smooth richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the vinaigrette naturally for a harmonious taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate and round out every ingredient.
How to Make Autumn Chopped Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by tossing your chopped kale, diced apples, shredded carrots, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese into a large bowl. This step gets all your vibrant, autumnal colors and textures mingling together perfectly.
Step 2: Whisk the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until emulsified. This bright and slightly sweet vinaigrette will lovingly coat your salad and bring out every flavor’s best side.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour the freshly made vinaigrette over your salad ingredients, then toss everything gently but thoroughly. Each piece should be lightly dressed, allowing you to taste all the wonderful contrasting flavors in every forkful.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
You can enjoy this salad immediately for a fresh crunch, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Chilling deepens the sweetness and lets the kale soften slightly without losing its vibrant texture.
How to Serve Autumn Chopped Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try sprinkling some extra chopped walnuts or more crumbled feta on top just before serving. A few thin apple slices or a light dusting of freshly cracked pepper can add visual appeal and a burst of freshness that makes your salad pop.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes including roasted chicken, baked salmon, or even a warm grain bowl. Its lively flavors act as a bright, refreshing counterpoint to heartier mains and work well for lunch, dinner, or even a festive brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique presentation, serve the Autumn Chopped Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe in individual mason jars for a grab-and-go option or layered in clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful layers. You can also toss it into hollowed-out apple halves for a charming autumn-themed presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and the vinaigrette separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps preserve the kale’s crispness and prevents the apples from becoming soggy. Combine just before serving for maximum freshness.
Freezing
Since the salad ingredients and dressing are both fresh and delicate, freezing is not recommended. Ingredients like kale, apples, and feta don’t retain their texture well after freezing, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not advised. If desired, bring to room temperature for a few minutes before eating to enhance the flavors if it has been chilled.
FAQs
Can I substitute kale with another green?
Absolutely! While kale is perfect for its texture and nutrition, you can swap it out for spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for a softer bite or different flavor profile.
How long does the Autumn Chopped Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe stay fresh?
When stored properly with dressing separate, it’s best eaten within 1 to 2 days for optimal freshness and texture.
Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, the vinaigrette keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Whisk again before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Is this salad suitable for people with nut allergies?
You can easily omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to keep the crunch without the nuts.
What other fruits work well in this salad?
Pears or pomegranate seeds make excellent alternatives or additions to apples and cranberries, adding new bursts of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Autumn Chopped Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe enough for anyone who loves fresh, seasonal flavors and a burst of color on their plate. It’s a wonderfully vibrant, healthy dish that feels special but comes together so easily. Give it a try and enjoy a true taste of autumn with every mouthful!
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Autumn Chopped Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Autumn Chopped Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a vibrant and healthy salad perfect for celebrating fall flavors. It combines crunchy kale, sweet apples, shredded carrots, walnuts, dried cranberries, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet apple cider vinaigrette. Ideal for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes with minimal preparation time.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, diced apples, shredded carrots, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth to create the vinaigrette dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared apple cider vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Gala.
- Walnuts can be toasted lightly in a dry pan to enhance their flavor before adding.
- Adjust honey in the vinaigrette according to your preferred sweetness.
- Kale can be massaged with a pinch of salt before assembling to soften its texture.
- Salad is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
