Autumn Chopped Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Autumn Chopped Salad bursts with seasonal flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for crisp fall days. The combination of crisp romaine, sweet pears, smoky bacon, and tangy dressings brings a delightful balance to every bite.
Ingredients
- 8 cups romaine hearts (chopped)
- 1 pear (chopped)
- 8 pieces bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1 recipe Maple Pecans (chopped)
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (diced)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Maple Pecans according to your preferred recipe and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Chop the romaine, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and pear into ½ to ¾ inch pieces to ensure even texture throughout the salad.
- Step 3: In a large serving bowl, place the chopped romaine as the base. Layer the pears, bacon, chopped maple pecans, cheese, and dried cranberries evenly over the greens.
- Step 4: Combine the balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressing in a jar. Shake vigorously to blend the flavors well.
- Step 5: Pour the mixed dressing over the salad and gently toss using tongs to coat all ingredients. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Tips & Variations
- Try substituting pears with crisp apples for a different autumn twist.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add roasted chickpeas or toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme to brighten the salad’s flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover salad components separately, especially the dressing, to keep the greens crisp. Prepared salad without dressing can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Toss with dressing just before serving to maintain the freshest texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made nuts instead of making Maple Pecans?
Yes, pre-made maple-flavored or candied pecans work well if you want to save time. Just chop them before adding to the salad.
What can I substitute for poppy seed dressing?
If you don’t have poppy seed dressing, a honey mustard or a simple vinaigrette can complement the flavors nicely in this salad.
PrintAutumn Chopped Salad Recipe
This Autumn Chopped Salad is a vibrant and flavorful medley celebrating fall’s best ingredients. Featuring crispy bacon, sweet pears, crunchy maple pecans, sharp cheddar, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a luscious blend of balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a refreshing, crunchy salad that brings cozy autumn flavors to your table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups romaine hearts, chopped
- 1 pear, chopped into ½–¾ inch pieces
- 8 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced into ½–¾ inch pieces
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Maple Pecans
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Dressings
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing
Instructions
- Prepare Maple Pecans: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add pecan halves and cook, stirring frequently, until pecans are evenly coated and toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a parchment-lined tray to cool, then chop.
- Chop Salad Ingredients: Chop romaine, pear, cooked bacon, and cheddar cheese into uniform ½ to ¾ inch pieces to ensure all salad components are similar in size for optimal texture and presentation. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: Place chopped romaine in the bottom of a large serving bowl. Layer chopped pears, bacon, maple pecans, diced cheddar cheese, and dried cranberries evenly on top.
- Combine and Add Dressings: In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressing. Shake vigorously until well blended. Pour the dressing over the salad and use tongs to gently toss, ensuring all ingredients are coated. Serve immediately for the best freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For best texture, chop all salad ingredients uniformly between ½ to ¾ inch pieces.
- Maple pecans can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- You can substitute pears with apples for a slightly different autumn flavor.
- If unavailable, bottled balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressings can be substituted.
- Serve immediately after tossing with dressing to prevent sogginess.
Keywords: autumn salad, chopped salad, maple pecans, fall recipe, bacon salad, pear salad, balsamic vinaigrette, poppy seed dressing
