Why You’ll Love This Fall Salad
This fall salad brings together crisp apples, mixed greens, feta, dried cranberries, and candied nuts with a simple olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing. It can be served as a side or topped with grilled chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal.
What to Add to a Fall Apple Salad
Choose spinach, arugula, kale, or a mix of greens, then add the apples, cranberries, feta, and nuts. The ingredient list does not give quantities, so adjust the amounts to suit your serving size and taste. Toss with dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
How to Make Fall Salad with Apples and Cranberries
Ingredients
- Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
- Sliced apples
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Candied walnuts or pecans
- Dried cranberries
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens with sliced apples, feta cheese, walnuts, and cranberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
How to Serve Fall Salad
Serve the salad as a side, or top it with grilled chicken or tofu for a main dish. It pairs well with soup or crusty bread and can be assembled for a gathering just before serving.
How to Store Fall Salad
Store undressed leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1–2 days. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before eating; dressed greens soften as they sit.
Tips for Fall Salad
- Choose crisp apples and slice them just before serving to keep their texture.
- Toast the nuts for added crunch and a deeper flavor.
- Swap feta for goat cheese if you prefer a creamier, tangier cheese.
- Add roasted squash for a warmer, more substantial salad.
Variations
Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to make the salad more filling. Pear slices or dried cherries can replace the apples or cranberries for a different fruit combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What greens can I use?
Spinach, arugula, kale, romaine, or mixed baby greens can all work.
Can I prep the salad ahead?
Yes. Wash and dry the greens, slice the other ingredients, and store them separately. Dress the salad shortly before serving.
How can I make it vegan?
Omit the feta or use a plant-based alternative, and check that the candied nuts do not contain animal-derived ingredients.
Healthy Fall Salad
A refreshing salad featuring mixed greens, apples, feta, and cranberries, perfect for fall.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
- Sliced apples
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Candied walnuts or pecans
- Dried cranberries
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Combine the mixed greens with sliced apples, feta cheese, walnuts, and cranberries in a large bowl.
- Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh, crisp apples for the best flavor. Toast the nuts for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
