Introduction

This Autumn Chopped Salad bursts with seasonal flavors, featuring crisp apples, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta. It’s a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for a quick lunch or a colorful side for dinner.

Autumn Chopped Salad with Apples, Cranberries, Pecans, and Feta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
2 cups Spring Mix lettuce
2 small Red Delicious or Gala apples, sliced thin
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped candied pecans
8 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled
4 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled
Creamy Poppy Seed salad dressing, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, Spring Mix lettuce, thinly sliced apples, dried cranberries, chopped candied pecans, crumbled crisp bacon, and crumbled Feta cheese. Toss well to mix all ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Divide the salad among individual bowls. Drizzle each serving with creamy poppy seed dressing according to your preference. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add toasted pumpkin seeds or roasted chickpeas for extra crunch.
Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Try substituting goat cheese for feta for a creamier texture.
To keep apples from browning, toss slices in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing apart until ready to serve to maintain crispness. Re-toss the salad with freshly added dressing before eating. Avoid storing mixed salad with dressing to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It’s best to prepare the salad ingredients ahead but keep the dressing separate and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have creamy poppy seed dressing?

You can substitute with a honey mustard or a light vinaigrette dressing for a different but delicious flavor profile.

Autumn Chopped Salad with Apples, Cranberries, Pecans, and Feta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 221 reviews

This Autumn Chopped Salad is a vibrant and refreshing mix perfect for the fall season, featuring crisp Romaine and Spring Mix lettuce, sweet and tart apples, dried cranberries, crunchy candied pecans, crispy bacon, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed together and served with a creamy poppy seed dressing. It combines sweet, savory, and fresh flavors in a satisfying, easy-to-make salad ideal for a light lunch or side dish.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

8 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
2 cups Spring Mix lettuce
2 small Red Delicious or Gala apples, sliced thin
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped candied pecans
8 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled
4 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing

Creamy poppy seed salad dressing, to taste

Instructions

Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped Romaine lettuce, Spring Mix lettuce, sliced apples, dried cranberries, chopped candied pecans, crumbled crisp bacon, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss well to evenly combine all ingredients.
Serve with dressing: Divide the mixed salad among individual bowls. Top each serving with your desired amount of creamy poppy seed dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors.

Notes

To make this salad vegetarian, omit the bacon or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
Use fresh apples to ensure crispness and maximum flavor.
For a gluten-free version, confirm that the candied pecans and salad dressing are gluten-free.
Prepare the salad just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and prevent sogginess.
You can toast the pecans at home and candy them with a simple sugar glaze for enhanced flavor.

Keywords: autumn salad, chopped salad, fall recipe, apple salad, cranberry salad, feta cheese salad, bacon salad, poppy seed dressing