I love this time of year. The weather has gotten cooler, and it gets dark earlier. And it’s the time for some wonderful fall produce. We also move towards using heavier, more dense produce such as root vegetables and winter squash. But I like to continue finding ways to incorporate fresh produce throughout the fall and winter months. One way I do this is by creating new salad recipe ideas like this Fall Harvest Salad!
This salad is a mixture of sweet and savory. There is a good deal of sweetness in the cranberries, apple, and vinaigrette. Because of that, I chose a less sweet Granny Smith which has a little more tartness than other apple varieties. But you can use whatever apple you prefer. That sweetness is balanced out by the bite of the savory cheese as well as the balsamic vinegar in the dressing! The combination is delightful for the tastebuds.
Also, it’s best to look for dried cranberries that don’t contain added sugar. Adding sugar is common for dried fruits, but it’s best to avoid that when possible.
This salad is great any time! It’s perfectly paired with some fresh, homemade soup. But it’s equally as great as a side for your next holiday party.
This Fall Harvest Salad recipe is naturally gluten and grain-free.
Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- baby spinach
- 1 Granny Smith apple
- walnuts
- unsweetened dried cranberries
- feta cheese
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp real maple syrup
- pinch ground pepper
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Mix the olive oil, vinaigrette, maple syrup, pepper and salt in a pourable container.
- Add the remaining ingredients into a salad bowl.
- Top with dressing and enjoy
