Fall Apple Salad

This Fall Apple Salad is everything you love about fall, packed into a bowl! Crisp apples, creamy goat cheese, smoky bacon, dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans all tossed with quinoa and leafy greens for a satisfying wholesome lunch, dinner side, or as a tasty addition to your holiday table. Our homemade bacon vinaigrette puts it over the top!

Recipes to celebrate fall apple season

When crisp fall air arrives and the leaves start to turn colors, you know it's apple season. And this Autumn Apple Salad has all the delicious crunch of juicy, fresh-picked apples. In other words, this apple salad is everything you love about fall, packed into a bowl!

Of course, there's an apple recipe for just about every occasion and any time of the day. From Air Fryer Apple Fritters for breakfast to Apple Bacon Bundles for appetizers, and sweet Caramel Apple Sangria for happy hour to an easy-to-make Apple Galette for dessert, there's something delicious to celebrate the fall season or any time of year.

Why you'll love this autumn apple salad

Sweet, Tangy & Smoky: Honeycrisp apples bring a juicy, sweet crunch to this salad that pairs well with the tangy goat cheese and smoky bacon.

Crunchy & Sweet: Glazed pecans add a sweet nutty crunch while cranberries add a tart zing.

Protein & Fiber: Quinoa brings plenty of healthy protein and fiber which gives this fall harvest salad recipe a heartiness that keeps you full and satisfied.

Bacon Vinaigrette: A flavor game-changer! The dressing ingredients include bacon grease and a touch of maple syrup giving the salad dressing the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavor.

Ingredients

The exact measurements for this autumn salad can be found in the full printable recipe card below.

For the salad:

• Spring mix: these mixed greens are the fresh base of the salad and add a nice leafy crunch.
• Cooked quinoa: adds protein with a nutty flavor and fluffy texture.
• Bacon: adds a smoky richness that pairs well with the sweet and tangy elements.
• Honeycrisp apples: are juicy and sweet, providing a refreshing fall crunch to this delicious salad.
• Goat cheese: with its creamy and tangy flavors contrasts beautifully with the sweet apples and savory bacon.
• Glazed pecans: are sweet, crunchy, and slightly caramelized adding a nutty flavor.
• Dried cranberries: add a chewy tart flavor with a touch of sweetness.

For the salad dressing:

• Bacon grease: adds a smoky depth to the vinaigrette.
• Red wine vinegar: with its tangy, sharp flavor helps balance the richness of the bacon grease.
• Dijon mustard: adds a bit of spice and creaminess to enhance the overall flavor.
• Maple syrup: brings a sweet, earthy note that complements the other ingredients.
• Salt: enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
• Black pepper: adds a subtle heat and rounds out the dressing.

How to make fall salad with apples

Creating this Fall Apple Salad is simple, bringing together fresh, seasonal ingredients in a way that highlights the natural flavors of fall.

1. Gather all the ingredients and place them in a large bowl.

2. Toss to mix well.

3. Finish with a drizzle of bacon vinaigrette then plate individually for serving.

This salad is like an autumn harvest of all your favorite fall flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy lunch or a side dish at your next potluck. Trust us, once you try it, you'll be reaching for seconds (or thirds - no judgement here!).

Ingredient substitutions for recipe variations

One of the best things about this Fall Apple Salad is how versatile it can be! Here are some easy substitutions to customize it to your taste:

Fresh Greens: Substitute the spring mix with baby spinach or arugula. Both options add their own unique flavors, with spinach providing a milder taste and arugula adding a peppery kick.

Cheese: Sub out goat cheese for blue cheese, gorgonzola, or tangy feta. Each cheese brings a distinct flavor from the boldness of blue cheese to the creamy tang of feta.

Nuts: Pecans can easily be replaced with walnuts for a rich buttery crunch or any other nuts you prefer.

Dried Fruit: Swap out cranberries for raisins or any other dried fruit such as apricots or cherries.

Fresh Fruit: Substitute the crunchy apple with juicy pears. Pears bring a delicate sweetness and a slightly softer texture that pairs well with the other ingredients, or opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or the sweet-tart flavor of a Pink Lady.

To make a main dish, top the salad with sliced chicken breast. Lightly seasoned grilled chicken breast adds protein and a savory flavor that balances the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.

Dressing: Switch the red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang. Alternatively, use your favorite dressing such as a citrus dressing or homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

What to serve with this apple salad

This Fall Apple Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and mains.

• Crusty Bread: A warm slice of air fryer bread or homemade French bread is perfect for soaking up the tangy bacon vinaigrette and adding a satisfying crunch.
• Hearty Soups: Pair this salad with a comforting bowl of butternut squash pumpkin soup or tomato basil soup. The warm soups complement the crisp, fresh flavors of the salad.
• Pasta Dishes: A simple pasta dish, such as garlic butter spaghetti or a light lemon herb pasta, complements the salad without overpowering it.
• Grilled Squash: Acorn squash grilled and drizzled with a honey glaze echoes the flavors in the salad and adds a hearty addition to your meal.

Make ahead

This apple salad can be made in advance with a few simple steps to ensure it stays fresh and delicious. Here's how:

• Cook the quinoa and bacon: Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions and let it cool. Fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and save the bacon grease for the dressing. Both of these can be done a day or two ahead and stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Prep the ingredients: Chop the Honeycrisp apples and toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Crumble the goat cheese, and measure out the glazed pecans and dried cranberries. Store each of these ingredients separately in their own airtight container.
• Make the dressing: Whisk together the bacon grease, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. Store the dressing in a small jar or container in the refrigerator.
• Assemble when ready to serve: When you're ready to enjoy the salad, simply combine the spring mix, quinoa, bacon, apples, goat cheese, pecans, and cranberries in a large bowl. Give the dressing a good shake, then drizzle it over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

By preparing the components ahead of time and keeping them separate, you can quickly assemble the salad when you're ready to serve. This method is perfect for a busy weeknight meal or when you're hosting a gathering and want to save some time.

More fruity salad recipes

• Pear Walnut Gorgonzola Salad
• Pomegranate Orange Salad
• Red White and Blue Berry Salad
• Strawberry Chicken Salad
• Waldorf Salad

Find lots of easy recipes for salads right here on 2CM!

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