Amazing Autumn Chopped Salad: 1 Delicious Fall Meal

Name: Amazing Autumn Chopped Salad: 1 Delicious Fall Meal
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Salad:; 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed; 1 apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), chopped; 4 slices cooked turkey bacon or vegetarian alternative, crumbled; ½ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts; ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese; Optional: ½ cup cooked orzo (for a grain-based variation); For the Dressing:; ⅓ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and black pepper, to taste

by basmer

9 de November de 2025

Facebook

Jump to Recipe

Autumn Chopped Salad has completely transformed my fall meal prep, becoming my go-to for a quick and incredibly satisfying meal. I remember the first time I made a version of this, I was looking for a way to use up a bounty of seasonal produce, and the combination of sweet roasted potatoes, crisp apples, and that tangy maple Dijon dressing was pure magic. The crunch of the nuts, the chewiness of the cranberries, and the savory turkey bacon create a texture party in your mouth! This harvest chopped salad recipe is a vibrant celebration of fall flavors, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Chopped Salad

This isn’t just any salad; it’s a celebration of fall in a bowl! Here’s why it’s destined to become your new favorite:

It’s incredibly flavorful with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
The textures are amazing – think crunchy apples and nuts, tender sweet potatoes, and chewy cranberries.
It’s a healthy and hearty meal that will keep you satisfied.
This fall chopped salad ideas list is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
It’s visually stunning, making it a beautiful addition to any table, especially for Thanksgiving.
The maple Dijon dressing is addictive and elevates all the seasonal ingredients.
You can easily customize it with your favorite fall vegetables and proteins.
This hearty fall chopped salad is a fantastic way to enjoy the best of the season.

Ingredients for Your Autumn Chopped Salad

Gather these colorful components for a truly spectacular harvest chopped salad recipe that sings with fall flavor:

6 cups chopped romaine lettuce – the crisp, refreshing base
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed – roasted until tender, adding a touch of sweetness and earthiness
1 apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), chopped – for that essential sweet-tart crunch
4 slices cooked turkey bacon or vegetarian alternative, crumbled – adds a smoky, savory depth
½ cup dried cranberries – their chewy texture and tartness are perfect
½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts – toasted nuts bring out their rich flavor and add a delightful crunch
½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese – for a creamy, tangy finish
Optional: ½ cup cooked orzo – if you want to make this a more substantial grain-based variation
For the Dressing:
⅓ cup olive oil – the base for our emulsified dressing
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – adds brightness and acidity
1 tablespoon maple syrup – a touch of natural sweetness to complement the fall flavors
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – for a little zing and to help the dressing emulsify
Salt and black pepper, to taste – essential for bringing out all the flavors

How to Make the Perfect Autumn Chopped Salad

Crafting this beautiful salad is a simple process, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps for a truly delicious meal that showcases the best of fall.

Roasting Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced and have lovely golden-brown edges. Let them cool slightly.

Preparing Other Salad Components

Step 2: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook your turkey bacon until it’s wonderfully crisp. Once cooled, crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Next, chop your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, core and chop your apple, and toast your nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant – watch them closely so they don’t burn!

Crafting the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

Step 3: Grab a small jar or a bowl. Combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. If using a jar, seal it tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. If using a bowl, whisk everything together until smooth. This dressing is key to our seasonal chopped salad autumn. For more information on emulsification, you can check out Food Network’s guide.

Assembling and Serving Your Salad

Step 4: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, the cooled roasted sweet potatoes, chopped apple, crumbled turkey bacon, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and crumbled cheese. If you’re adding orzo for a heartier meal, toss that in now too. Pour the maple Dijon dressing over the salad.

Step 5: Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are lightly coated in the dressing. This is where the magic happens, bringing all those delightful fall flavors together. Serve your beautiful Autumn Chopped Salad immediately and enjoy every satisfying bite! For other make-ahead meal ideas, check out this list.

Pro Tips for the Best Autumn Chopped Salad

Want to elevate your salad game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this dish truly shine. These tips ensure you get the most flavor and best texture every time you whip up this wonderful fall creation.

Toast your nuts! This step is crucial for unlocking their rich flavor and adding a satisfying crunch that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes; aim for tender with slightly caramelized edges, not mushy.
Taste and adjust your dressing before tossing. Sometimes a little more vinegar or maple syrup is needed to hit that perfect sweet-tangy balance.
Chop everything into bite-sized pieces. This is key for a true chopped salad experience, making it easy to get a bit of everything in each forkful.

What’s the secret to perfect Autumn Chopped Salad texture?

The secret is variety and proper preparation! Roasting the sweet potatoes until just tender, toasting the nuts for crunch, and using crisp apples ensures a delightful mix of textures. A true seasonal chopped salad autumn relies on these contrasting elements.

Can I make this Autumn Chopped Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep most components a day in advance. Roast the sweet potatoes, cook the bacon, toast the nuts, and make the dressing. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine and dress just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Autumn Chopped Salad?

A common pitfall is soggy ingredients. Make sure your sweet potatoes are fully cooled before adding them, and always store the dressing separately. Also, avoid over-mixing the salad once dressed; toss gently to coat.

Best Ways to Serve Your Autumn Chopped Salad

This versatile salad is a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other dishes, making it perfect for any fall gathering. Serve it as a light lunch or a stunning side dish. For a truly festive meal, consider this Thanksgiving chopped salad alongside roasted turkey or ham. It’s also fantastic with a hearty lentil soup or a simple grilled chicken breast for a balanced weeknight dinner. The combination of fresh, roasted, and crunchy elements makes it a crowd-pleaser that complements a variety of flavors.

Nutrition Facts for Autumn Chopped Salad

This vibrant salad is as good for you as it is delicious! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, offering a hearty and healthy option for your fall meals.

Calories: 360
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 310mg
Cholesterol: 20mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the type of cheese or alternative bacon.

How to Store and Reheat Autumn Chopped Salad

Proper storage is key to enjoying this delicious salad for days to come. If you’ve made extra or want to prep ahead, follow these simple guidelines. For the best flavor and texture, always store dressing separately. Place any leftover salad components, like roasted sweet potatoes and toasted nuts, in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad itself, undressed, will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. While freezing isn’t ideal for the fresh greens and crisp apple, you can freeze components like the roasted sweet potatoes for up to 3 months. Reheat only the sweet potatoes if desired before assembling a fresh salad. This quick autumn chopped salad prep makes healthy eating a breeze!

Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Chopped Salad

What are the best ingredients for an autumn chopped salad?

For the best flavor and texture, I love to include a mix of sweet and savory elements. Think roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, some crunchy toasted nuts (pecans or walnuts are perfect!), dried cranberries for chewiness, and a bit of crumbled cheese like feta or goat cheese. The combination makes for a truly delightful autumn chopped salad experience.

Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already quite adaptable. For a vegetarian version, simply skip the turkey bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative. To make it vegan, omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The maple Dijon dressing is naturally vegan, making this a versatile option for many dietary needs.

How do I prepare the ingredients for a fall chopped salad?

The key is bite-sized pieces! Chop your greens, apples, and other vegetables into uniform, manageable sizes. Roasting the sweet potatoes until tender but not mushy is crucial for texture. Toasting nuts brings out their flavor and adds crunch. Having all your components prepped and ready makes assembling this seasonal chopped salad autumn a breeze.

Why choose an autumn chopped salad for holiday gatherings?

This Thanksgiving chopped salad is a showstopper! Its vibrant colors and delicious blend of seasonal flavors are perfect for holiday meals. It offers a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes and appeals to a wide range of tastes. Plus, it’s hearty enough to be a satisfying side or even a light main course, making it a versatile choice for any fall celebration.

Variations of Autumn Chopped Salad You Can Try

This autumn chopped salad recipe is so versatile, you can easily switch things up to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next creation:

Hearty Grain Addition: For an even more substantial meal, consider adding cooked quinoa, farro, or orzo to the mix. This transforms it into a filling grain bowl, perfect for a satisfying lunch.
Roasted Vegetable Swap: Don’t have sweet potatoes? Try roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or even chunks of roasted cauliflower. They all bring a wonderful autumnal flavor to the salad.
Fruitful Variations: If apples aren’t your favorite, try diced pears or even fresh pomegranate seeds for a burst of juicy tartness. These offer a delightful twist on the classic flavor profile.
Protein Power-Up: While turkey bacon is delicious, you can also add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some crumbled firm tofu for a plant-based protein boost. This makes it a complete and nourishing meal.