Oh, autumn is such a magical time, isn’t it? The leaves are turning golden and the air is crisp, and it just makes me crave fresh, vibrant flavors! That’s where my Autumn Chopped Salad comes in. It’s bursting with a delightful mix of crunchy apples, juicy pears, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This salad has been my go-to for holiday gatherings and cozy dinners alike. Every bite feels like a celebration of the season! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a staple in your kitchen too!

Ingredients List

For the Autumn Chopped Salad, you’ll need the following fresh and colorful ingredients:

4 cups chopped mixed greens (I love using a mix of arugula, spinach, and romaine for texture!)
1 cup diced apples (any sweet variety works, but I prefer Honeycrisp for that crispy bite)
1 cup sliced pears (Bartlett pears add a nice softness and sweetness)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (these add a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (feel free to toast them for extra flavor!)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (the creaminess of feta is just to die for)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (just enough to give it a little zing)
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought is fine, but homemade is even better!)

And there you have it! Simple, seasonal, and oh-so-delicious. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your choices, too! This salad is all about enjoying what you love.

How to Prepare the Autumn Chopped Salad

Making this Autumn Chopped Salad is as easy as pie—well, easier actually! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a beautiful, vibrant salad in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by washing your mixed greens thoroughly. I like to give them a good spin in a salad spinner to remove excess water.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped mixed greens with the diced apples and sliced pears. You want to have a nice balance of colors and textures here!
Next, add in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts. If you’re toasting the walnuts, do that in a dry skillet for about 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring often until fragrant—trust me, it makes a difference!
Now, sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and thinly sliced red onion. The feta adds a creamy richness, while the onion gives it a little punch.
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Don’t drown it—start with just enough to coat the ingredients lightly!
Using two large spoons, toss everything together gently. You want to blend the flavors without bruising the greens.
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

And there you have it! A delightful, colorful salad that’s perfect for any autumn occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a burst of autumn flavors that perfectly showcases the season’s bounty!
Super quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
Totally customizable; play around with your favorite nuts and cheeses!
Healthy and filled with fresh ingredients, making it a guilt-free delight.
Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a refreshing side for any meal.
Visually stunning with its vibrant colors—great for impressing guests!

Trust me, once you whip this up, you’ll be coming back for seconds! It’s that good!

Tips for Success

To make your Autumn Chopped Salad absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, try to use fresh, crisp produce—this makes a huge difference in flavor and texture. If you’re adding nuts, toast them for that extra crunch and depth of flavor; just keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn! Also, don’t dress the salad until you’re ready to serve to keep the greens nice and crunchy. If you want a little extra sweetness, consider adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the vinaigrette! And remember, feel free to swap ingredients—be creative with your favorite seasonal fruits and nuts!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers! This Autumn Chopped Salad is not just delicious; it’s also a healthy choice. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 250
Fat: 15g (of which saturated fat is 3g)
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 30g (including 10g of sugar)
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 150mg
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but overall, this salad packs a nutritious punch! Enjoy it guilt-free and savor every bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make the Autumn Chopped Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the salad a few hours in advance. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep those greens crisp!

What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, try goat cheese for a tangy twist, or even a sharp cheddar if you prefer something different!

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this Autumn Chopped Salad are gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone!

How can I add protein to this salad?
Consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some crunchy bacon for extra flavor and texture!

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember to keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Autumn Chopped Salad fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay good for about 2-3 days. Just remember, it’s best to keep the balsamic vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again, as this helps maintain that crisp texture of the greens!

As for reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so I wouldn’t recommend heating it up. If you do have to warm it, try a quick microwave zap for just a few seconds, but be careful not to wilt the greens too much. Trust me, the fresh crunch is part of the magic!

Autumn Chopped Salad: 7 Reasons to Love This Fresh Delight

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and colorful salad perfect for autumn.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups chopped mixed greens
1 cup diced apples
1 cup sliced pears
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apples, and pears.
Add cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese, and red onion.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
Toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Customize with your favorite nuts.
Use different cheeses if desired.
Can be made a few hours in advance; keep dressing separate until serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Autumn Chopped Salad

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