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Classic Fall Harvest Salad with Maple-Apple Cider Vinaigrette

A close-up of a vibrant fall harvest salad featuring roasted squash, apple slices, pecans, and dried cranberries over mixed greens.
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Make this Classic Fall Harvest Salad featuring roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Toss everything with a homemade Maple-Apple Cider Vinaigrette for a perfect seasonal side dish or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups mixed greens (like spring mix or baby kale)
  • 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 crisp apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
  • For the Vinaigrette:
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. Let the squash cool slightly.
  2. While the squash roasts, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the 1/2 cup of olive oil until the dressing emulsifies.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooled roasted butternut squash, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
  4. If using cheese, sprinkle the feta or goat cheese over the salad ingredients.
  5. Drizzle the Maple-Apple Cider Vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are lightly coated.
  6. Serve this Fall Harvest Salad immediately for the best texture.

Notes

  • You can roast the butternut squash and prepare the vinaigrette a day ahead to save time.
  • For extra crunch, substitute pecans with toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds.
  • If you want a heartier meal, add grilled chicken breast or chickpeas.
  • This salad works well with a base of mixed greens or hearty kale.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://littlekitchendiary.com/fall-harvest-salad-recipe-maple-vinaigrette/