Description
Harvest Salad is a refreshing and vibrant autumn dish featuring a mix of crisp greens, sweet honeycrisp apple, juicy pear, and a blend of crunchy and creamy toppings like candied pecans and goat cheese. Tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad captures the essence of fall with every bite, making it perfect for a healthy, seasonal meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, and romaine)
- 1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette or apple cider vinaigrette
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, honeycrisp apple slices, pear slices, dried cranberries, thinly sliced red onion, and pumpkin seeds. Gently toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the salad.
- Add Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and candied pecans over the top of the tossed salad, maintaining a nice balance of flavors and textures.
- Toss with Dressing: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette or apple cider vinaigrette over the salad. Toss lightly to coat all ingredients with the dressing without making it soggy.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad right away to maintain its fresh texture and vibrant flavors for the best eating experience.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts or almonds for the candied pecans.
- Blue cheese is a tasty alternative to goat cheese for a sharper flavor.
- For extra protein, top with grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas.
- To prepare ahead, keep the dressing and toppings separate until just before serving to maintain freshness.
