Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how much I adore this Chopped Autumn Salad! It’s like a burst of fall right on your plate, and the colors are just gorgeous—deep reds, bright greens, and golden yellows. Every bite is a delightful crunch, thanks to the fresh apples, juicy pears, and crunchy walnuts. And don’t even get me started on the sweet-tart cranberries and creamy feta; they really elevate this salad to something special! It’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll want to make it every autumn!

Ingredients List

4 cups mixed greens
1 cup chopped apples (I love using crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith!)
1 cup sliced pears (Bartlett or Bosc are my go-tos!)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (for that perfect crunch)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (these add such a lovely sweetness)
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (the creaminess is just divine)
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (feel free to adjust based on your taste!)

How to Prepare the Chopped Autumn Salad

Making this Chopped Autumn Salad is as easy as pie—well, easier! Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this vibrant dish that’s bursting with autumn flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, wash and dry your mixed greens. I like to give them a good spin in a salad spinner to get rid of any excess water—no one likes a soggy salad!
Next, grab those crisp apples and juicy pears. Chop them into bite-sized pieces; I usually go for about 1-inch chunks so they’re easy to grab with a fork.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, chopped apples, sliced pears, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries. It’s like a party in a bowl, and you’ll want to toss them together gently to mix everything without bruising the greens.
Now, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. Seriously, this is where the magic happens—just look at that creamy goodness!
Finally, drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with a little; you can always add more if needed! Toss everything gently to coat, and voila—you’re ready to serve!

Enjoy this fresh and colorful salad immediately for the best flavor and crunch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chopped Autumn Salad is a vibrant celebration of fall flavors, with fresh ingredients that make each bite a joy!
It’s super quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat.
The combination of crunchy apples, juicy pears, and rich feta creates a delightful texture contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Feel free to customize it with your favorite seasonal fruits and nuts—it’s a versatile dish that adapts to your taste!
Plus, it’s a healthy option packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free addition to any meal!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Chopped Autumn Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, always use the freshest seasonal fruits you can find—this really enhances the flavor. I recommend choosing apples and pears that are firm and crisp for that satisfying crunch. When it comes to the walnuts, toasting them lightly in a dry skillet for a few minutes can really amp up their flavor. And don’t forget to adjust the balsamic vinaigrette to your preference; I like to start with less and add more as needed. Serve this salad immediately after tossing to keep everything fresh and crunchy—trust me, it makes all the difference!

Variations of the Chopped Autumn Salad

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are endless ways to switch up this Chopped Autumn Salad! For a tropical twist, try adding diced mango or pineapple instead of apples—it’s like a mini-vacation in a bowl! You could also swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch. Feeling festive? Toss in some pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and tartness. And if you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even a sprinkle of blue cheese can add a delightful zing. The dressing can also change the vibe—try a honey mustard or a citrus vinaigrette for a fresh twist!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers—nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind when you whip up this Chopped Autumn Salad! Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 15g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 200mg
Cholesterol: 10mg

This salad not only tastes amazing but is also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy lifestyle!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Chopped Autumn Salad is a breeze! If you have leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should keep well for up to 2 days. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again—nobody likes a soggy salad! If you find yourself needing to reheat any leftovers, I recommend taking out the ingredients you want to warm (like the walnuts) and giving them a quick toast in a skillet. Serve the salad cold for the best flavor and crunch. Enjoy every last bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time—just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, your Chopped Autumn Salad will stay fresh and crunchy!

What if I don’t have walnuts?
Not a problem! You can easily swap them out for pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for that delightful crunch.

Can I use different fruits?
Definitely! This salad is super versatile. Try adding grapes, oranges, or even pomegranate seeds for a twist on the original flavor profile.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! Just store it in individual containers without the dressing. Add the vinaigrette right before you dig in for the best taste!

How can I make it more filling?
If you want to turn this salad into a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for some extra protein!

Chopped Autumn Salad: 5 Ingredients for Fall Bliss

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Toss
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and colorful salad perfect for autumn.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups mixed greens
1 cup chopped apples
1 cup sliced pears
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup cranberries
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

Wash and dry the mixed greens.
Chop the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apples, pears, walnuts, and cranberries.
Add the feta cheese on top.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Use seasonal fruits for the best flavor.
Adjust the dressing to your taste.
This salad can be made ahead of time; add dressing just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Chopped Autumn Salad

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