Harvest Apple Salad

You know that cozy fall feeling when the air turns crisp? That’s what I get when I make my Harvest Apple Salad. It feels like autumn in a bowl.

The mix of crunchy apples, greens, and little sweet bits makes every bite exciting. I like how it feels fresh but still hearty. It’s one of those salads I actually crave.

I love that it’s simple, but it looks so pretty on the table. Friends always ask for the recipe, and I feel proud sharing it. You’ll want to make it again and again.

So, let’s grab some apples and get started. This salad is easy, tasty, and just right for the season. I’ll show you how I make it step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Harvest Apple Salad Recipe

• Vibrant & Flavorful: The contrast between the sweet, crisp apples, creamy goat cheese, and tangy balsamic dressing makes every bite a delightful experience.
• Packed with Nutrients: This salad is full of greens, healthy fats, and protein, making it a satisfying and nutrient-dense option.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy days when you need something quick but hearty.
• Customizable: Whether you want to swap in a different type of cheese or add more protein, this salad is flexible enough to fit your preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad whenever you’re ready to serve.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large Salad Bowl: For tossing all the ingredients together.
• Cutting Board & Knife: To slice the apples, onion, and other ingredients.
• Frying Pan: If you’re cooking your bacon fresh, a pan or skillet is essential.
• Whisk or Fork: To combine the dressing ingredients.
• Serving Tongs or Spoons: For easy serving and mixing.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this fresh and flavorful salad (exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

For the Salad:

• 8-10 cups red lettuce: I recommend using red leaf lettuce for its tender leaves and slightly bitter flavor. It provides a beautiful contrast to the sweet apples.
• 8-10 cups kale or butter lettuce: Either kale for a heartier texture or butter lettuce for a softer, more delicate option. Both bring in nutrients and volume.
• 2 medium honeycrisp apples (sliced thin): Honeycrisp apples are perfect for this salad because they’re sweet, crunchy, and hold their shape well when sliced.
• 1/2 large lemon (freshly squeezed): To keep the apples from browning and add a bright citrusy zing.
• 1/2 cup red onion (sliced thin): Red onion provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• 5-6 slices thick-cut bacon (cooked and crumbled): Bacon adds the salty, smoky element that brings everything together.
• 6 oz. goat cheese (crumbled): The creamy, tangy goat cheese is a must for adding richness and depth to the salad.
• 1 1/2 cups candied walnuts (or toasted walnuts): You can either make your own candied walnuts or use toasted walnuts for a more savory crunch.

For the Dressing:

• 2/3 cup olive oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil will add richness and help bind the flavors of the dressing together.
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: This adds the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: This will act as an emulsifier, helping to bring the dressing together while adding a subtle sharpness.
• 1 tablespoon honey: For just the right touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: This adds a hint of savory flavor to the dressing.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Season to your liking, but don’t forget to taste test before serving!

Variations for the Harvest Apple Salad

This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste or dietary needs:

• Change the Cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your thing, try crumbled feta, blue cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a new flavor.
• Add Protein: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, turkey, or even a scoop of quinoa to make it a full meal.
• Try Other Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try candied pecans or toasted almonds for a similar texture and flavor.
• Go Vegan: Skip the bacon and cheese, and substitute a plant-based dressing to make this salad vegan-friendly.
• Swap the Dressing: If balsamic isn’t your thing, try a honey mustard dressing or even a lemon vinaigrette for a lighter alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and drying your lettuce and kale (or butter lettuce). Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and chop the kale into smaller pieces if necessary. Place them in a large salad bowl.

2. Slice the Apples

Core the honeycrisp apples and slice them thinly. To keep the apples from turning brown, immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over them. This not only prevents browning but also adds a refreshing citrusy note to the apples.

3. Prepare the Red Onion

Slice the red onion thinly. You can even soak the slices in a little water with a splash of vinegar for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor if you prefer a milder taste.

4. Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once it’s cooked, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside.

5. Make the Candied Walnuts (or Toasted Walnuts)

If you’re making your own candied walnuts, you can easily do so by heating a pan over medium heat, adding chopped walnuts, and tossing them with a little sugar and butter until they’re golden and caramelized. Alternatively, use store-bought candied walnuts or simply toast plain walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant.

6. Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you like a sweeter dressing, add a little more honey.

7. Assemble the Salad

In your large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, kale, apple slices, red onion, crumbled bacon, goat cheese, and candied walnuts. Gently toss everything together.

8. Dress and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overdress the salad—start with a little dressing and add more if needed.

How to Serve the Harvest Apple Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Standalone Meal: If you add protein (like grilled chicken or roasted turkey), this salad can easily be a full meal.
• As a Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, pork chops, or grilled fish. It’s also a perfect addition to any holiday spread, from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
• With Soup or Sandwiches: Serve it alongside a hearty soup, like butternut squash soup, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a lighter lunch or dinner option.

Storing the Harvest Apple Salad

The salad itself is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the leftovers in the fridge:

• For the Salad: Keep the salad (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Be sure to store the dressing separately to prevent the greens from wilting.
• For the Dressing: Store the leftover dressing in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. If the dressing thickens, just whisk in a little water or extra balsamic vinegar to loosen it up before using.

Nutrition Information

This Harvest Apple Salad is packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition for a standard serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	4g
Sugars	18g
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	350mg
Potassium	280mg

Conclusion

This Harvest Apple Salad is the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the sweetness of the apples to the creaminess of goat cheese and the crunch of candied walnuts. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a side dish to complement a larger meal, this salad will surely become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The fresh ingredients and customizable nature of this dish make it a versatile option that works for any season, especially fall, when apples are in abundance!

Harvest Apple Salad FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While honeycrisp apples work beautifully in this salad, feel free to use other varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith, depending on your taste preferences.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free bacon and avoid any gluten-containing croutons, this salad is gluten-free.