Celebrate the flavors of the season with this delicious Harvest Salad recipe. Packed with fresh ingredients and a delightful dressing, this salad is perfect for any autumn gathering or as a light and healthy meal. Learn how to make this vibrant and flavorful salad that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Harvest Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup diced apple
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
How to Make Harvest Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and dry the salad greens.
- Dice the apple and chop the pecans.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, diced apple, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped red onion.
- Toss gently to combine.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad.
- Toss again to coat evenly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the flavors of the harvest season!
About the Main Ingredients
Salad Greens
The mixed salad greens provide a variety of textures and flavors, from peppery arugula to tender baby spinach. Use your favorite greens or a pre-mixed salad blend for convenience.
Apple
Diced apple adds sweetness and crunch to the salad. Choose a crisp and slightly tart variety, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, for the best flavor.
Dried Cranberries
Dried cranberries add a pop of color and a sweet-tart flavor to the salad. They are a great source of antioxidants and fiber.
Pecans
Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor and adds a crunchy texture to the salad. Pecans are also rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Feta Cheese
The crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy and tangy element to the salad. Its salty flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet fruit and crunchy nuts.
Red Onion
Chopped red onion provides a sharp and savory flavor to balance the sweetness of the fruit and dressing. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
The balsamic vinaigrette dressing adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the salad. You can use store-bought dressing or make your own with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard, and honey.
This Harvest Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to please your taste buds. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, this salad is a wonderful way to enjoy the bounty of the season. Gather your ingredients and try this delicious salad today!
