Autumn Apple Salad with a Maple Vinaigrette
User Reviews
5
Autumn Apple Salad with a Maple Vinaigrette
Description
Autumn Apple Salad with a Maple Vinaigrette features baby spinach as the base, layered with dried cranberries and halved pecans that add sweetness and crunch. The inclusion of both Granny Smith and Fuji apples provides a blend of tartness and sweetness, adding variation in flavor and color. Crumbled feta cheese introduces a creamy, salty note, while crisp cooked bacon brings a savory, smoky element.
The dressing is a blend of maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper, delivering a balanced sweetness and acidity that ties the salad elements together. The salad is tossed just before serving to maintain the fresh texture of the greens and apples.
Preparations can involve soaking cut apples in lemon water to prevent browning if made ahead. Storing the dressing separately preserves the salad’s freshness until ready to serve. The salad showcases autumnal flavors and textures suited to a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups baby spinach raw
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pecans halved
- 2 tbsp feta cheese
- ½ apple sliced, Granny Smith
- ½ Fuji apple sliced
- 2 lices Bacon cooked and chopped
Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make Dressing: Add all the ingredients for the maple dijon vinaigrette to a small mason jar. Shake to mix.
- Layer Salad: Add the spinach to a medium size bowl or plate.
- Top with dried cranberries, halved pecans, feta cheese, sliced apples, and cooked bacon.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the salad dressing over the top of the salad, toss and serve.
Notes
- Using Granny Smith and Fuji apples offers a mix of tart and sweet flavors and a colorful presentation.
- A Grade A maple syrup is recommended for the vinaigrette for the best flavor.
- Halved pecans can be substituted with walnuts or omitted if needed.
- Sliced apples can be soaked briefly in lemon water to prevent browning if prepared ahead.
- Store dressing separately to keep the salad fresh; toss just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 478kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 405mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 409mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 27g | 54% |
| Vitamin A | 2952IU | 59% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 144mg | 14% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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