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Crispy Autumn Chopped Salad with Apples

crispy autumn chopped salad with apples - featured image

A crunchy, sweet, and savory chopped salad featuring romaine, cabbage, crisp apples, and toasted pecans with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect for fall and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup chopped cabbage (purple or green)
  • 2 medium Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped into 1/4-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup croutons (or toasted pumpkin seeds for gluten-free)
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash romaine lettuce and cabbage thoroughly. Spin dry or pat with paper towels to ensure they are completely dry. Chop romaine into 1/2-inch pieces and cabbage into similar shreds. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Dice celery into small, uniform 1/4-inch cubes and add to the bowl with the greens.
  3. Core and dice apples into 1/4-inch cubes. If not serving immediately, toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Add to the bowl.
  4. In a small jar with a lid, combine apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Screw the lid on tight and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until emulsified.
  5. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool completely, then chop roughly.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss with tongs to coat every piece evenly.
  7. Add dried cranberries and toasted pecans. Toss gently to distribute.
  8. Serve immediately while greens are crisp. If making ahead, store dressing separately and toss just before eating.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are dry before chopping to prevent the dressing from sliding off. Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and crunch. For best texture, chill the mixing bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes before tossing. Taste the salad before adding all the dressing, as apple sweetness varies.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall salad, chopped salad, apple salad, healthy dinner, meal prep, vegetarian, gluten-free option, autumn recipes