Fall Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing

As the weather starts to cool and the leaves begin to change, it's the perfect time to enjoy the flavors of fall with a delicious and nutritious salad. One of the best ways to embrace the autumn season is by incorporating seasonal ingredients into your meals, and a Fall Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing is the perfect example. This salad is a delightful combination of crisp, fresh greens, sweet and tart fruits, crunchy nuts, and a flavorful dressing that brings it all together.

Fall Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing
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Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Servings:

6

Yield:

6 servings

Ingredients

1 (10 ounce) package baby spinach leaves
1 ¼ cups diced apple
1 ¼ cups diced sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1

Combine spinach, apple, Cheddar cheese, cranberries, and pecans in a large salad bowl. Toss well.

Step 2

Combine balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and mustard in the bowl of an electric blender. Blend on medium speed until mixed well. While the blender is running, add olive oil in a steady stream. Blend until oil and vinegar are no longer separated. Add salt and pepper to taste and emulsify until creamy. Drizzle over salad and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

637

Calories

52g

Fat

37g

Carbs

11g

Protein

Complement

The star of this autumn-inspired salad is the maple-balsamic dressing, which adds a delightful sweetness and tanginess to the dish. The combination of balsamic vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and olive oil creates a perfectly balanced dressing that complements the flavors of the salad ingredients. The addition of seasonal fruits such as apples, pears, or cranberries adds a burst of freshness and sweetness, while the addition of nuts such as pecans or walnuts provides a satisfying crunch. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing lunch or a flavorful side dish for a fall gathering, this Fall Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing is sure to be a hit.