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Best Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

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This crowd-pleasing fall harvest salad features crisp apples, creamy goat cheese, candied pecans, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a sweet-tangy maple vinaigrette. It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering, and it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • Mixed Greens (10 oz or 280g)
  • Granny Smith Apples (2 large)
  • Dried Cranberries (1/2 cup or 75g)
  • Crumbled Goat Cheese (1/2 cup or 75g)
  • Candied Pecans (1 cup or 120g)
  • Red Onion (1/2 small)
  • Pure Maple Syrup (1/4 cup or 60ml)
  • Apple Cider Vinegar (3 tablespoons or 45ml)
  • Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon or 15ml)
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1/3 cup or 80ml)
  • Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
  • Shallot (1 small, minced)

Instructions

  1. Make the Maple Vinaigrette: In a small jar or bowl, combine 1/4 cup (60ml) of pure maple syrup, 3 tablespoons (45ml) of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Dijon mustard, and the minced shallot. Season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until well combined. If using a bowl, whisk continuously while slowly drizzling in 1/3 cup (80ml) of olive oil until emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.
  2. Prep the Salad Ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens. Place them in a very large salad bowl. Core and thinly slice the 2 Granny Smith apples. Thinly slice the 1/2 small red onion into half-moons.
  3. Assemble the Salad: Add the sliced apples, red onion, 1/2 cup (75g) of dried cranberries, and 1 cup (120g) of candied pecans to the bowl with the greens. Do not add the goat cheese yet.
  4. Dress and Toss: Drizzle about half of the maple vinaigrette over the salad. Using your hands or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until the greens are evenly coated. Add more dressing if needed.
  5. Finish and Serve: Crumble the 1/2 cup (75g) of goat cheese over the top of the dressed salad. Give it one last gentle toss. Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, dress the salad just before serving to keep greens crisp. Toast candied pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance flavor. Use real maple syrup for the dressing. If making ahead, store dressing, greens, apples, and nuts separately.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall harvest salad, maple vinaigrette, Thanksgiving salad, apple salad, goat cheese salad, candied pecans, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/best-fall-harvest-salad-with-maple-vinaigrette/