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Autumn Glow Salad

Autumn Glow Salad
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The Autumn Glow Salad is a vibrant, colorful, and nutritious salad that captures the essence of fall with every bite. Combining crisp apples, mixed greens, roasted nuts, dried cranberries, and creamy cheese, dressed in a sweet and tangy maple-Dijon dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors ideal for cozy, seasonal meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed baby spinach and arugula
  • 2 medium crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup roasted pecans or walnuts
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Dressing Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Produce: Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. Core and thinly slice the apples, leaving the skin on for extra color and nutrients. Thinly slice the red onions and set aside the dried cranberries.
  2. Toast the Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans or walnuts for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified.
  4. Toss the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, red onions, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts. Drizzle the dressing over and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top as a final touch and serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh, seasonal greens and apples for the best flavor and texture.
  • Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy leaves and maintain crunchiness.
  • Toast nuts carefully to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Balance the dressing to have a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor.
  • Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Autumn salad, fall salad, apple salad, maple Dijon dressing, seasonal salad, healthy salad, gluten free, vegetarian, easy salad

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/autumn-glow-salad/