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Quick Fall Harvest Salad with Easy Maple Vinaigrette

fall harvest salad - featured image
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A quick and easy fall salad with mixed greens, apple, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a tangy-sweet maple vinaigrette. Perfect for weeknights or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Mixed Greens (5 oz / 140g)
  • Apple (1 large, thinly sliced)
  • Dried Cranberries (1/3 cup / 40g)
  • Pecans (1/3 cup / 40g, chopped)
  • Goat Cheese (1/3 cup / 75g, crumbled)
  • Pumpkin Seeds (2 tbsp / 15g, optional)
  • Pure Maple Syrup (3 tbsp / 45ml)
  • Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tbsp / 30ml)
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/4 cup / 60ml)
  • Dijon Mustard (1 tsp)
  • Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until fragrant and slightly darker, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Make the maple vinaigrette: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly, or shake vigorously in a jar until emulsified. Set aside.
  3. Prep the apple: Wash and thinly slice the apple into bite-sized pieces. Toss with a little lemon juice if not serving immediately to prevent browning.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apple, dried cranberries, cooled toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds (if using). Toss gently.
  5. Dress and serve: Drizzle about half the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat. Add more dressing as desired. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Toast pecans carefully as they burn quickly. For best texture, keep greens and apple cold until assembly. Emulsify dressing properly using Dijon mustard. Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning. Season in layers for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall harvest salad, maple vinaigrette, quick salad, easy salad, autumn salad, apple salad, pecan salad, goat cheese salad

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/quick-fall-harvest-salad-with-easy-maple-vinaigrette/