Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

A Feast of Flavors with Kale, Quinoa, Apples, Cranberries, Feta, and Maple Dijon Dressing

 

Creator: Leslie Stokes

 As the leaves start to turn vibrant shades of red and gold and the air becomes crisp and invigorating, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the flavors of fall. And what better way to do so than with a Fall Harvest Salad that combines the best of autumn’s bounty into one delightful dish? This salad is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring hearty kale, nutty quinoa, sweet apples, tart cranberries, creamy feta, and a Maple Dijon dressing that ties it all together. Join me on this culinary journey as we create a salad that embodies the essence of the season. 

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

 

  • chopped kale
  • white quinoa
  • apples
  • cranberries
  • cannied pecans
  • feta
  • maple syrup
  • olive oil
  • dijon mustard
  • apple cider vinegar

Creating the Salad

 
Making the Maple Dijon Dressing-
 
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Season the dressing with a pinch of salt to your taste. This luscious dressing will infuse your salad with a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
 
 Preparing the Kale and Quinoa Base-
 
Take a large salad bowl and add the chopped kale. To make the kale more tender and flavorful, give it a gentle massage with your hands (optional). Then, introduce the cooked quinoa into the mix. These two ingredients form the hearty foundation of your salad. 
 
 Layering the Goodness-
 
Now comes the fun part – layering the vibrant fall ingredients! Begin with the thinly sliced apples, placing them gracefully atop the kale and quinoa. The apples’ crisp sweetness will complement the salad’s heartier components. Sprinkle the dried cranberries over the apples, adding a delightful touch of tartness and chewiness. Next, crumble the feta cheese over the salad, creating pockets of creamy indulgence. If you desire an extra layer of texture and flavor, scatter the optional chopped pecans. 
 
Drizzling the Maple Dijon Dressing-
 
It’s time to bring everything together. Drizzle the Maple Dijon Dressing generously over the salad, ensuring that each ingredient is bathed in this harmonious blend of flavors. Use salad tongs to gently toss the salad, ensuring that the dressing coats every element evenly.
 
 let’s Savor the season!
 
Your Fall Harvest Salad is now ready to serve! This masterpiece of autumn flavors and textures is a visual and culinary delight. The kale’s earthiness, quinoa’s nuttiness, apples’ sweetness, cranberries’ tartness, and feta’s creaminess all come together in each bite. —
 
 
 

 With the Fall Harvest Salad, you’re not just enjoying a delicious and nutritious meal; you’re savoring the essence of autumn itself. Whether you serve it as a wholesome lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even as the star of your Thanksgiving table, this salad captures the very spirit of the season. So, embrace fall with open arms and a fork full of this delightful salad. It’s time to revel in the flavors of autumn’s bounty!

Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

This Fall Harvest Salad is a celebration of autumn flavors and perfect for all of your fall gatherings this season! It combines the earthly goodness of kale+ quinoa with the sweetness of apples + cranberries, all tied together with creamy feta and a delightful Maple Dijon Dressing!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Salad
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups chopped kale stems removed
  • ½ cup cooked white quinoa
  • 1-2 chopped apples
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup cannied pecans

For the Maple Dijon:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1½ tbsp dijon mustard
  • a pinch of salt

Let's Make It
 

  • Start by making the Maple Dijon Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt to taste. Set the dressing aside. 
  • In a large bowl add the kale, quinoa, apples, cranberries, pecans. Drizzle the salad with the dressing and toss to combine until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. 
  • Top with feta and gently toss.
  • Serve immediately as a healthy and vibrant fall salad that's perfect for any occasion. This Fall Harvest Salad is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that will make your taste buds dance with autumn joy. Enjoy the season's bounty in every bite!
Keyword fall harvest salad, fall salad, kale salad, thanksgiving, thanksgiving food, thanksgiving recipe, thanksgiving side dish

Nutrition Facts

Serving size is 8 servings
This Page may contain affilate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may recvieve a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Instagram Pinterest

Asian Citrus Chopped Salad

Edit Column
Part of my Meal Prep in 1 Hour Series- this Asian Citrus Chopped Salad is incredibly delicious and so easy to make! Its tangy, crunchy, light, but filling and customizable! Make this salad along with any other of my Meal Prep in 1 Hour Recipes and you can meal prep two meals in 1 hour!

If meal prep is’nt your thing, this salad is great to bring to any BBQ, get togther, or makes for an easy dinner!

Read More »
April 16, 2023 No Comments

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Simple, yet so flavorful- slow roasted teriyaki chicken + brown rice, fresh veggies and pineapple   Creator: Leslie Stokes Chicken + rice with veggies is

Read More »
August 6, 2023 No Comments