Autumn Chopped Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Autumn Chopped Salad is a vibrant mix of crisp romaine, sweet pears, smoky bacon, and crunchy maple pecans. Topped with sharp cheddar and a blend of balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressing, it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that celebrate the season.
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 the recipe you have, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Chop the romaine, pear, cooked bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese into ½ to ¾ inch pieces to ensure a uniform texture throughout the salad. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large serving bowl, layer the chopped romaine first. Then evenly distribute the pears, bacon, maple pecans, diced cheddar, and dried cranberries on top.
- Step 4: Combine the balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressing in a jar. Shake vigorously until well mixed. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss with tongs to coat all ingredients. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before chopping.
- Swap the pear for crisp apple if preferred for a different fruity note.
- Add grilled chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.
- Use store-bought maple pecans if short on time.
Storage
Store leftover salad components separately (without dressing) in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressings chilled as well. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to maintain crispness. Reheat is not recommended as this is best served fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to chop all ingredients and keep them stored separately in the fridge. Combine and dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute if I don’t have poppy seed dressing?
You can replace poppy seed dressing with honey mustard or a light ranch dressing for a different but complementary flavor.
PrintAutumn Chopped Salad Recipe
This Autumn Chopped Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines crisp romaine, sweet pears, smoky bacon, crunchy maple pecans, sharp cheddar cheese, and tart dried cranberries. Tossed with a blend of balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for fall meals or festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups romaine hearts, chopped into ½–¾ inch pieces
- 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
- 1 recipe Maple Pecans, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing
Instructions
- Prepare Maple Pecans: Follow the Maple Pecans recipe to make the nuts. Once cooked and cooled, chop them into small pieces suitable for the salad.
- Chop Ingredients: Chop the romaine hearts, pear, bacon, and cheddar cheese into ½-¾ inch pieces, ensuring uniform size to create the signature chopped salad texture. Set these aside separately to assemble later.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the chopped romaine at the bottom of a large serving bowl. Arrange the chopped pear, bacon, maple pecans, cheddar cheese, and dried cranberries evenly on top.
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine the balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressing in a jar. Shake vigorously until well mixed to create a balanced and flavorful dressing.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the combined dressing over the assembled salad. Using tongs, gently toss the salad to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy fresh and crisp flavors.
Notes
- For best results, chop all salad components uniformly into similar sizes to enhance the texture and presentation.
- Maple Pecans add a sweet crunch that complements the savory bacon and sharp cheddar; ensure pecans are fully cooled before chopping to maintain crispness.
- You can substitute pears with apples for a slightly different sweetness and crunch.
- The combination of balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressing balances tangy and sweet flavors; adjust dressing quantities to taste.
- This salad is best served immediately after dressing to prevent wilting.
Keywords: Autumn Chopped Salad, fall salad, romaine salad, maple pecans, bacon salad, pear salad, chopped salad recipe
