Fall Salad

Embrace the essence of autumn with this delightful fall salad that combines the crispness of fresh greens, the sweetness of seasonal apples, and the rich, nutty flavor of pecans. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients that will invigorate your palate and nourish your body. Get ready to enjoy a taste of fall in every bite!

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, arugula)
• 1 medium apple, sliced (preferably a crisp variety)
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
• Salt and pepper to taste

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes with no cooking required.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1/4 of the salad) contains approximately 220 calories, 15g fats, 20g carbohydrates, 4g protein, and 3g fiber. This is for one person.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens.
3. Core and slice the apple into thin wedges.
4. Add the apple slices to the greens.
5. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes.
6. Once toasted, add the pecans to the salad bowl.
7. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top.
8. Add the dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
9. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for different flavor profiles. For a nut-free version, replace pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.

Serving and Pairings

This fall salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or can be served as a light lunch with a slice of crusty bread. It’s also wonderful alongside a warm bowl of soup.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must reheat, separate the components to avoid wilting the greens. It is not recommended to freeze the salad.

Cooking Mistakes

• Using wilted greens can ruin the salad’s texture.
• Overdressing can make the salad soggy; add dressing gradually.
• Not toasting the nuts can lead to a lack of flavor.
• Using unripe apples can affect the sweetness.
• Forgetting to season can leave the salad bland.

Helpful Tips

• Choose seasonal apples for the best flavor.
• Make the salad just before serving for optimal freshness.
• Experiment with different dressings like honey mustard.
• For added protein, include grilled chicken or chickpeas.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead and mix them right before serving to maintain crispness.

What type of dressing works best?

A balsamic vinaigrette complements the flavors of this salad perfectly, but feel free to explore other options like apple cider vinaigrette.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, omit the goat cheese and use a plant-based dressing.

How can I add more protein?

Adding grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas can enhance the protein content of this salad.

What are some good substitutes for pecans?

Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds can be used in place of pecans for a similar crunch.

Conclusion

This fall salad is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and beautifully presented, it makes a wonderful addition to any autumn meal. Enjoy the richness of fall with every bite!

Fall Salad

A vibrant fall salad featuring fresh greens, crisp apples, toasted pecans, and tangy goat cheese, perfect for autumn meals.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: fall salad, autumn recipes, healthy salad, seasonal ingredients

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 220kcal

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 medium apple sliced
• 1/2 cup pecans toasted
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly.
• In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens.
• Core and slice the apple into thin wedges.
• Add the apple slices to the greens.
• Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes.
• Add the toasted pecans to the salad bowl.
• Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top.
• Add dried cranberries for sweetness.
• Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 3g