Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

October 3, 2023

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

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!