Get ready to transform your salad game with this mouthwatering Chopped Autumn Salad that's about to become your new seasonal obsession! Imagine a perfect harmony of crisp mixed greens, sweet diced apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy dried cranberries, all brought together by a luxurious honey cider dressing that will make your taste buds dance. This isn't just a salad - it's a culinary adventure that captures the essence of fall in every single forkful, promising to elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mixed greens
- Apple, diced
- Walnuts, chopped
- Dried cranberries
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Honey
- Cider vinegar
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: mixed greens, diced apple, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, honey, cider vinegar, and olive oil.
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens as the base of your salad.
- Next, evenly distribute the diced apple over the mixed greens. The sweetness of the apple will complement the other flavors in the salad.
- Add the chopped walnuts to the bowl. These will add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.
- Sprinkle the dried cranberries over the top. Their tartness will provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the apples.
- Next, crumble the feta cheese and add it to the salad. The creamy texture and salty flavor of the feta will enhance the overall taste.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the honey cider dressing. Combine 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together until they are well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar if desired.
- Drizzle the honey cider dressing over the salad just before serving. This will keep the greens fresh and crisp.
- Gently toss the salad using salad tongs or two large forks to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve the salad immediately in individual bowls or on a large platter, garnishing with additional walnuts or feta if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp mixed greens for the best texture and flavor base.
- Dice the apple just before serving to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor.
- For a more intense dressing, let the honey cider mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before whisking to allow flavors to meld.
- Use high-quality, local honey for the most robust dressing flavor.
- If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to prevent soggy greens.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese for a unique twist.
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or roasted turkey strips.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
