Harvest Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens)
(such as spinach, arugula, and kale
- 1 red apple
diced
- 1 pear
diced
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- to tasteSalt and pepper
Directions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- 2
Toast the pecans (optional): Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven and let them cool.
- 3
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apples, diced pears, chopped pecans, crumbled feta cheese, cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion.
- 4
Just before serving, drizzle the maple balsamic dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- 5
Enjoy immediately as a side dish or add grilled chicken or leftover turkey on top for a complete meal.
Harvest Salad
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About this Recipe
Craving a fresh, vibrant salad that captures the essence of autumn? This Harvest Salad brings together crisp apples, juicy pears, and crunchy pecans for a truly fall-forward dish that brightens any meal.
What makes this recipe special is its delightful balance of sweet, tart, and savory elements, all brought together by a simple, homemade maple balsamic dressing. It's incredibly quick to assemble, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or when you need an impressive side with minimal effort.
With every forkful, you'll experience a delightful interplay of textures and flavors. Expect the crispness of the mixed greens, the juicy crunch of diced red apples and pears, the satisfying chew of dried cranberries, and the nutty snap of pecans. The thinly sliced red onion adds a subtle bite, perfectly complemented by the creamy, salty feta cheese. The dressing, a simple blend of balsamic vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, coats everything lightly, enhancing the natural flavors without overwhelming them. This salad is bright, fresh, and surprisingly satisfying, offering a true taste of autumn's bounty.
Customization & Serving Ideas
Feel free to make this Harvest Salad your own with a few simple tweaks. For a different cheese, consider swapping the feta for crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese for a tangier note. To make it a heartier main course, you could easily add some grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even toasted pumpkin seeds. If you don't have pecans on hand, walnuts or even candied walnuts would be a fantastic substitute.
This vibrant Harvest Salad is ideal as a refreshing light lunch, a festive side dish for a holiday meal, or a beautiful starter for any fall gathering. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a comforting bowl of soup.