If you’re searching for the perfect way to celebrate crisp air and fresh apples, this Autumn Apple Salad is pure magic on a plate! Juicy apples, candied pecans, and tart cranberries mingle over a bed of greens, while a tangy homemade dressing ties everything together. It’s a vibrant, effortless salad that feels special enough for holidays yet is simple enough for everyday lunches. Get ready to fall in love with this seasonal favorite—I promise it’ll become your new go-to for showcasing the very best flavors of autumn.

Autumn Apple Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Autumn Apple Salad lies in its simplicity—every ingredient brings a little something special, whether it’s crunch, color, or a burst of sweet-tart flavor. Gather these essentials and get ready to build a bowl that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious!

Mixed salad greens: This leafy blend is the perfect crisp base for all the other flavors—choose your favorite mix for color and texture.
Apples (2 medium, thinly sliced): Go for sweet, crunchy varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for exceptional juiciness and snap.
Candied pecans (1/2 cup): These add irresistible crunch and a subtle caramel sweetness—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
Dried cranberries (1/3 cup): Their tart chewiness wakes up every bite and balances the richness of the salad.
Crumbled goat cheese or feta (1/4 cup): Creamy, tangy cheese offers decadence and contrast—pick whichever you love most!
Red onion (1/4 small, thinly sliced): Adds bright, sharp flavor and just enough bite to keep things lively.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): A good drizzle steers the dressing with richness and silkiness.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Zippy and fruity, this vinegar is the key to a truly autumn-inspired dressing.
Honey (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness tames the acidity and lifts every ingredient.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Whisper of sharpness brings the whole dressing together.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Never underestimate the power of good seasoning to make flavors pop.

How to Make Autumn Apple Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

Start things off by whisking together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Give it a good whisk until it looks creamy and beautifully blended—the honey and mustard help the dressing emulsify quickly. Taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. The dressing should taste vibrant, tangy, and lightly sweet—the ideal companion for the all-stars waiting in your salad bowl.

Step 2: Layer the Fresh Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, toss in your mixed salad greens, followed by the star of this dish: freshly sliced juicy apples. Scatter in the candied pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese (or feta). Tuck in those delicate red onion slices for a bit of zing. You’ll start to see a rainbow of autumn colors—every ingredient has its own moment to shine!

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the luscious dressing all over your salad, aiming for even coverage but without drowning the greens. With gentle hands or salad tongs, toss the salad carefully—just enough to coat everything so you don’t crush the tender leaves or delicate toppings. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing right about now.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Plate up your salad immediately to enjoy that perfect contrast of crisp apples, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and zingy dressing. Every forkful is layered with flavor, texture, and serious autumn charm. This Autumn Apple Salad transforms even the simplest meal into something special.

How to Serve Autumn Apple Salad

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra candied pecans or a few pomegranate seeds on top for an extra burst of color and crunch. A bit more goat cheese crumbled over the surface also looks (and tastes) truly irresistible! Fresh cracked black pepper or a drizzle of honey is lovely if you want to lean into the salad’s sweet-savory notes.

Side Dishes

This salad is a showstopper all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a warm loaf of crusty bread, a bowl of butternut squash soup, or even roasted chicken for a heartier meal. As part of a fall spread, Autumn Apple Salad shines alongside savory mains or cheesy pasta bakes.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try assembling the Autumn Apple Salad in individual glasses or jars for elegant, portable servings. Pile it onto a big platter family-style for dramatic effect, or stuff it into pita pockets for an easy autumn lunch. The beautiful colors and ingredients lend themselves to creative, fuss-free presentations every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Autumn Apple Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, try to keep the dressing separate and toss it with the greens just before serving so the salad stays extra crisp. Leftovers will keep for up to two days—just know that the apples may lose a bit of their crunch as time goes on.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t recommended, as the fresh greens and apples tend to become mushy after thawing. The texture and brightness are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze candied pecans separately for up to three months if you want to prepare that component ahead of time.

Reheating

Autumn Apple Salad truly shines when served cold or at room temperature. Reheating isn’t needed—just give any leftovers a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and enjoy right from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make the Autumn Apple Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all the components a day in advance—slice the apples, mix the dressing, and crumble the cheese—then assemble everything right before serving for maximum freshness.

What are the best apples to use for this salad?

Honeycrisp and Fuji are top picks for flavor and crunch, but Gala, Pink Lady, or even Granny Smith work beautifully too. Any crisp, juicy variety will give your Autumn Apple Salad that signature snap.

How do I make it vegan or dairy-free?

Just swap the goat cheese or feta for your favorite vegan cheese or leave it out altogether. Check your candied pecans for butter if needed, or make your own with maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon!

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Definitely! Toasted walnuts or slivered almonds are fantastic alternatives and still bring great crunch and flavor. Sunflower seeds are a nice nut-free option as well.

Is there a way to add more protein?

Yes—grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even cooked quinoa can be added right to the salad to boost the protein and turn this side dish into a satisfying main course.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Autumn Apple Salad a try very soon—it’s a celebration of fall’s best flavors in every bite! Whether you serve it at a festive gathering or as a quick lunch, it’s bound to win over everyone at the table with its color, crunch, and freshness. Enjoy, and happy fall feasting!

Autumn Apple Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Autumn Apple Salad is a delightful mix of crisp apples, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and tangy goat cheese tossed with a sweet and tangy dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for your fall gatherings!

Ingredients

Scale

Mixed Salad Greens:

4 cups

Apples (thinly sliced):

2 medium

Candied Pecans:

1/2 cup

Dried Cranberries:

1/3 cup

Crumbled Goat Cheese or Feta:

1/4 cup

Red Onion (thinly sliced):

1/4 small

Olive Oil:

3 tablespoons

Apple Cider Vinegar:

1 tablespoon

Honey:

1 tablespoon

Dijon Mustard:

1 teaspoon

Salt and Black Pepper:

to taste

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Instructions

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apples, pecans, cranberries, goat cheese, and red onion.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.