Autumn Harvest Salad with Pears and Candied Walnuts
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this visually stunning Autumn Harvest Salad, featuring crisp red leaf lettuce, juicy pears, and crunchy candied walnuts. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with textures and tastes that will elevate any light lunch or dinner. The homemade apple cider dressing, a perfect blend of tangy and sweet, complements the ingredients beautifully and can be adapted for other salad creations. Enjoy it as a refreshing side or make it the star of your meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
Apple juice
1/2 cup (none)
Canola oil
1/4 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
4 teaspoons (none)
Honey
1 tablespoon (none)
Poppy seeds
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt and pepper
to taste (optional seasoning)
Red leaf lettuce
10 cups (rinsed, well-drained, and coarsely chopped)
Walnut pieces
2/3 cup (toasted)
Pears
3 (cored and chopped into 3/4-inch pieces or sliced)
Instructions
1
In a food processor or blender, combine the apple cider vinegar, apple juice, canola oil, Dijon mustard, and honey. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2
Stir in the poppy seeds and season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Set aside 1/4 cup of the dressing for later use.
3
In a very large bowl, add the coarsely chopped red leaf lettuce and toasted walnut pieces. Pour the remaining dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly, taking care to mix without crushing the walnuts.
4
To prepare the pears, core them and chop into 3/4-inch pieces or slice them thinly. Gently toss the pear pieces with the reserved 1/4 cup of dressing in a separate bowl.
5
Distribute the dressed lettuce and walnuts among eight individual salad plates or bowls. Top each plate with the dressed pears, either arranging them on top or drizzling the remaining dressing over them.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Autumn Harvest Salad?
The salad features a blend of tangy and sweet flavors from apple cider vinegar, honey, and fresh pears, complemented by the crunch of toasted walnuts.
What kind of lettuce is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 cups of red leaf lettuce that has been rinsed, well-drained, and coarsely chopped.
How do I prepare the apple cider dressing?
Combine apple cider vinegar, apple juice, canola oil, Dijon mustard, and honey in a blender or food processor until smooth, then stir in poppy seeds.
Why should I set aside 1/4 cup of the dressing?
The reserved 1/4 cup of dressing is used specifically to toss with the chopped or sliced pears to prevent browning and ensure they are well-coated.
What type of nuts are used in this harvest salad?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of toasted walnut pieces to add texture and a nutty flavor.
Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, you can easily substitute the walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a different crunch.
How should the pears be prepared?
The three pears should be cored and then either chopped into 3/4-inch pieces or sliced thinly.
Is this salad suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, the Autumn Harvest Salad is designed to be a refreshing light lunch or a sophisticated side dish for dinner.
What makes the dressing unique?
The dressing is a homemade apple cider-based vinaigrette that includes apple juice and poppy seeds for a unique sweet-tangy balance.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to be distributed among eight individual salad plates or bowls.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and freshness, it is recommended to serve the salad immediately after assembly.
Is there honey in the dressing?
Yes, one tablespoon of honey is used to provide a touch of natural sweetness to the dressing.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can make it vegan by substituting the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe specifies 4 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, which helps emulsify the dressing and adds a sharp flavor.
How do I toast the walnuts?
You can toast walnut pieces in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or in an oven at 350°F until fragrant and slightly browned.
Is the dressing seasoned with salt and pepper?
Yes, you can season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste after blending the main ingredients.
What color is the lettuce used in this salad?
The recipe uses red leaf lettuce, which adds a beautiful visual contrast to the green pears and brown walnuts.
Can I use apple cider instead of apple juice?
Yes, apple cider can be used as a substitute for apple juice for a deeper, more robust apple flavor.
What equipment is needed for the dressing?
A food processor or a blender is needed to ensure the oil, vinegar, and mustard are perfectly emulsified.
How large should the salad bowl be?
A very large bowl is recommended to allow enough room to toss the 10 cups of lettuce without crushing the ingredients.
Are the poppy seeds blended?
No, the poppy seeds should be stirred in after the other dressing ingredients have been blended smooth.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad offers a variety of textures: crisp lettuce, juicy pears, and crunchy toasted walnuts.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, goat cheese, feta, or gorgonzola would pair beautifully with the pears and walnuts.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
The current recipe data does not specify exact calorie or macronutrient counts.
What is the preparation time like?
The salad is described as easy to prepare, requiring mainly chopping and a quick blend of the dressing ingredients.
Can I use a different oil?
Yes, while canola oil is neutral, you could use a light olive oil or walnut oil for extra flavor depth.
Is this a seasonal dish?
It is specifically curated for autumn to highlight the harvest of pears and seasonal flavors like apple cider.
How do I assemble the final plates?
Distribute the dressed lettuce and walnuts first, then top each plate with the separately dressed pear pieces.
Can I use dried pears instead?
Fresh pears are recommended for their juiciness, but dried pears could be used for a different, chewier texture.
What makes this a 'harvest' salad?
It earns the name 'harvest' by utilizing classic fall ingredients like apples (in juice/vinegar form), pears, and walnuts.