If you crave a crisp, colorful salad that’s just as lovely to look at as it is to eat, the Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette) is your perfect answer. Each forkful is a celebration of fall: sweet apples, tangy goat cheese, crunchy candied nuts, tart cranberries, and a blissfully balanced vinaigrette with real maple syrup. This salad checks every box—texture, flavor, and flair—making it a crowd-pleaser whether you need a quick side or a showstopping dish at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how easily each ingredient comes together in perfect harmony. Every element brings a fresh note—whether that’s crunch, creaminess, sweetness, or a sharp tang. Here’s what you’ll need to create your irresistible Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette):
- Mixed salad greens: These provide a crisp, vibrant base and pair beautifully with fruit and cheese.
- Apples (2 medium, thinly sliced): Choose sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for juicy flavor and crunch.
- Candied pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup): The sweet, crunchy nuts add depth and an irresistible bite.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): A handful brings a pop of color and a chewy, tart accent.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): A few slivers add pleasant sharpness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Crumbled goat cheese or feta (1/2 cup): Both cheeses add creamy texture—choose your favorite for a personalized twist.
- Pomegranate arils (1/2 cup, optional): These jewel-like seeds add juicy bursts and festive color.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich, smooth base for the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp): This brightens the vinaigrette and ties together all the autumn flavors.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Just a touch balances the sweetness and ensures a creamy, well-emulsified dressing.
- Pure maple syrup (2 tbsp): For natural sweetness and a classic fall flavor, nothing beats real maple syrup.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential to bring out the flavors in both the salad and the vinaigrette.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): A bit of pepper adds gentle warmth and finishes the dressing perfectly.
How to Make Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette)
Step 1: Prepare the Maple Vinaigrette
Start by whisking together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Keep whisking until everything is creamy and perfectly blended—the mustard helps the dressing stay smooth and cling to the salad. You can shake it up in a mason jar for easy mixing (and storage) too.
Step 2: Slice and Assemble the Salad Ingredients
Thinly slice the apples and red onion for maximum flavor in every bite. Lay out your mixed greens in a large bowl, then scatter the apple slices, candied nuts, dried cranberries, red onion, goat cheese or feta, and pomegranate arils (if you’re feeling extra festive) across the top. The more color you add, the more inviting your Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette) will look!
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Right before serving, drizzle your maple vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Use salad tongs or clean hands to gently toss everything together—just enough to coat the ingredients without bruising the delicate greens or fruit. Taste for seasoning, and adjust with a pinch of salt or a drizzle more vinaigrette as needed.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Once dressed, serve the salad right away so the greens stay crisp and the fruit beautifully fresh. This is where all your preparation pays off—expect every bite to be bursting with those signature autumn flavors!
How to Serve Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette)
Garnishes
Top off your beautiful bowl with a final sprinkle of extra goat cheese, a handful of pomegranate arils, or even a twist of cracked black pepper. A scattering of fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) can add a fresh note and extra color, making your Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette) truly pop on the table.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs exceptionally well with roasted chicken or turkey, but it’s just as lovable alongside grilled salmon or a hearty vegetable soup. If you’re feeling classic, serve it with a warm baguette or fresh sourdough bread to soak up any leftover vinaigrette. It’s basically built for potlucks and holiday tables!
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the salad ingredients in clear glass jars for picture-perfect individual servings, or create a beautiful platter with each ingredient arranged in colorful stripes for a showstopping centerpiece. For a main course version, serve the Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette) over a bed of farro or quinoa and top with grilled chicken or roasted sweet potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to two days, although the greens may wilt a bit from the dressing. For best results, keep the dressing and salad separate until you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
Unfortunately, salads with fresh greens and fruit do not freeze well. The textures change and become watery when thawed. If you’re hoping to prepare in advance, simply make the maple vinaigrette ahead of time and keep all the ingredients prepped and chilled separately.
Reheating
Since Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette) is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. Instead, give leftovers a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and revive the flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette) ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients in advance—just keep the dressing separate and toss everything together right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Which apple varieties work best in this salad?
Sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady are ideal because they hold their crispness and balance out the tangy vinaigrette and creamy cheese beautifully.
Is this Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette) gluten-free?
Yes, as written, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check packaged items like candied nuts or goat cheese for any added ingredients if you’re especially sensitive.
What proteins can I add to make this a main dish?
Try topping the salad with sliced grilled chicken, roasted turkey, salmon, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. The flavors of the Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette) pair wonderfully with mild, savory proteins.
Can I substitute the nuts or cheese?
Definitely! Use whatever nuts or cheeses you love or have on hand. Toasted almonds, cashews, blue cheese, or shredded cheddar can all work and will put a fun twist on the salad.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette) finds its way to your table soon. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the season’s best flavors, and every bite is packed with color, crunch, and cozy comfort. Give it a try and let it brighten your next meal—you just might discover a new fall favorite!
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Autumn Apple Salad (with a Maple Vinaigrette) Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Autumn Apple Salad with Maple Vinaigrette is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for the fall season. Crisp apples, tangy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans come together with a delicious maple dressing for a refreshing and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils (optional)
Maple Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Maple Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, apple slices, pecans, cranberries, red onion, goat cheese, and pomegranate arils if using. Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To make this salad more filling, top with sliced grilled chicken.
- If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately and toss before serving to keep the salad fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
