Looking for a vibrant and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall? This Autumn Chopped Salad is your answer! Packed with seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, apples, and cranberries, tossed in a tangy maple-cider vinaigrette, this salad is a celebration of autumn’s bounty.
It’s a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy the best of the season, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch. Its explosion of color and autumnal flavors makes it a sure-fire winner for both casual gatherings and holiday feasts.
What is Autumn Chopped Salad?
An Autumn Chopped Salad is a delightful mix of fall’s freshest ingredients, all finely chopped and tossed in a flavorful dressing. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a vibrant tapestry of textures and tastes that captures the essence of the season. Think crisp apples, earthy root vegetables, sweet cranberries, and crunchy nuts – all harmoniously combined. It’s a celebration of seasonal produce, offering a healthy and satisfying meal that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.
This salad is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty side dish, this salad is sure to hit the spot. Ready to experience the flavors of autumn? Give this delicious recipe a try!
Key Ingredients for Autumn Chopped Salad:
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this refreshing Autumn Chopped Salad to life.
For the Salad:
- 2 cups Butternut Squash: Peeled, seeded, and diced into 1/2-inch cubes.
- 2 cups Brussels Sprouts: Trimmed and thinly shredded.
- 1 cup Apple: (such as Honeycrisp or Gala) – Cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries: For a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
- 1/2 cup Pecans or Walnuts: Roughly chopped and toasted. This adds a delightful crunch.
- 1/4 cup Red Onion: Finely diced for a sharp, pungent flavor.
- 4 ounces Goat Cheese or Feta Cheese: Crumbled to add a creamy and tangy element
For the Maple-Cider Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil: Extra virgin is best for flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the necessary acidity.
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and a characteristic fall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard: Emulsifies the dressing and adds a tangy kick.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Lending an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Adjust according to your preference.
How to Make Autumn Chopped Salad:
This Autumn Chopped Salad is exceptionally easy to make, and the prep time is typically around 20 minutes. It’s satisfying because of the diverse textures and flavors, with creamy goat cheese, crunchy nuts, and sweet cranberries all balanced beautifully by the tangy vinaigrette.
The maple-cider vinaigrette is the star, tying everything together with its perfect blend of sweet and sour. You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together and how it makes a great addition at parties!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Let cool slightly. Take it out of the oven and set aside to cool.
Toast the Nuts: While the butternut squash is roasting, toast the chopped pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Brussels sprouts, diced apple, dried cranberries, roasted butternut squash, toasted pecans, red onion and crumbled goat cheese.
Make the Maple-Cider Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. You can also shake the ingredients together in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Dress the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss all the ingredients until the salad is well coated with dressing.
Serve: Serve immediately or chill for later. Chilling it for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.
Why You’ll Love This Autumn Chopped Salad:
This Autumn Chopped Salad is a game-changer! The main highlight is the explosion of fall flavors – the sweetness of maple syrup, the tartness of apple cider vinegar, the earthiness of roasted butternut squash, and the crunch of toasted nuts all come together in perfect harmony. Making this salad at home saves you significantly compared to restaurant salads, plus you know exactly what’s going into it. It is packed with wholesome ingredients instead of hidden added fats. What sets it apart is the combination of warm and cold ingredients and the creamy and crunchy textures, providing a sensory experience that’s both satisfying and unique.
If you are a fan of light yet hearty salads, you may like this Fall Harvest Quinoa Salad which includes similiar flavors and textures but a great boost from the addition of the Quinoa! Ready to bring a taste of autumn to your table? Give it a try today!
What to Serve Autumn Chopped Salad With:
This Autumn Chopped Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a complete and balanced meal. It’s also a fantastic side dish for roasted turkey or pork tenderloin. For a vegetarian option, try pairing it with a hearty lentil soup or a baked sweet potato.
A crusty loaf of bread is always a welcome addition for soaking up the delicious maple-cider vinaigrette. A glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, or a refreshing apple cider would perfectly complement the autumnal flavors of the salad.
Top Tips for Perfecting Autumn Chopped Salad:
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have butternut squash? Sweet potatoes or acorn squash are great alternatives. If you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts, try using kale or spinach (just massage kale with dressing before adding other ingredients). Use pomegranate seeds instead of dried cranberries.
- Roasting the Butternut Squash: Be sure to cut the butternut squash into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to the salad. If you don’t want to turn on the oven, you can sauté the butternut squash in a pan with a bit of olive oil.
- Dressing Application: Don’t dress the salad too far in advance, as the Brussels sprouts can become saturated and the apple can brown. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
- Nut Preferences: Adjust the type of nuts according to your taste preference. Pecans, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and texture.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the amount of maple syrup. For a tangier taste, add a bit more apple cider vinegar.
- Make it a Meal: Grilled shrimp or chicken would be a hearty and flavourful add-in and will leave you feeling full!
Health Benefits of Autumn Chopped Salad:
This Autumn Chopped Salad is packed with nutrients from its diverse range of ingredients. Butternut squash is a great source of vitamin A and fiber, supporting eye health and digestion. Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants, which help boost the immune system and promote bone health. Apples provide vitamin C and fiber, aiding in heart health and digestion. Dried cranberries are high in antioxidants and can help prevent urinary tract infections. Nuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, promoting heart health and brain function.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Store the undressed salad ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the maple-cider vinaigrette separately in a jar or container. If the salad is already dressed, it’s best consumed within 1-2 days, as the vegetables may become soggy.
Reheating: While this salad is best served cold, you can gently warm the roasted butternut squash before adding it to the salad if preferred. However, avoid reheating the entire salad, as it may affect the texture and flavor of the fresh ingredients.
Freezing: Freezing this Autumn Chopped Salad is not recommended, as the vegetables and apples will lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the roasted butternut squash separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding it to the salad.
Final Thoughts:
This Autumn Chopped Salad truly captures the essence of the season. With its vibrant colors, delightful textures, and blend of sweet and savory flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, enjoying a family meal, or simply looking for a healthier lunch option, this salad is the perfect choice. Easy to customize and packed with nutrients, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy the taste of autumn!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Autumn Chopped Salad FAQs:
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients (except the dressing) 1-2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. However, dress the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Q: Can I use a different type of nut?
A: Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds all work well in this salad. Choose your favorite or use a combination for added texture and flavor.
Q: Can I add protein to this salad?
A: Definitely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas would all be great additions to make this salad a more substantial meal.
Q: Is this salad suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
A: This salad can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetarian feta cheese. For a vegan version, simply omit the goat cheese or substitute with a plant-based feta alternative. Also, ensure the maple syrup you use is vegan-friendly.
Q: Can I use other types of apples?
A: Yes, any crisp apple variety, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji, is a great choice for this salad. Granny Smith apples can also be used for a tangier flavor.