Print

Autumn Chopped Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 144 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/autumn-chopped-salad-recipe/