Harvest Delight Salad
Embrace the flavors of autumn with our delightful Harvest Delight Salad that makes a perfect main dish. This vibrant salad features crispy Chinese cabbage mixed with tender chunks of ham, crunchy walnuts, and sweet diced apples, all complemented by the freshness of celery and the optional creaminess of mozzarella cheese. An aromatic balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together, enhancing the seasonal flavors. Ideal for gatherings, this salad can be served alongside warm bread, biscuits, or cornbread, or it can be neatly packed into wraps for a satisfying lunch option on the go. This recipe allows for adaptability, making it suitable for those with dietary preferences. Visit your local orchard for the freshest apples and enjoy a meal that celebrates the best of fall's bounty!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chinese cabbage (nappa)
1/2 head (cut in shreds)
Ham
1 lb (diced)
Apples
2 (diced)
Chopped walnuts
1/2 cup
Celery
1-2 stalks (thinly sliced)
Mozzarella cheese
1/2 lb (cubed (optional))
Green pepper
1 (chopped (optional))
Balsamic vinaigrette
to taste (store-bought or homemade (I suggest Basic Vinaigrette Dressing without the optional Italian seasoning))
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded Chinese cabbage, diced ham, diced apples, chopped walnuts, sliced celery, and optional ingredients such as mozzarella cheese and green pepper.
2
In a separate bowl, prepare the balsamic vinaigrette if not using store-bought. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad mixture, starting with approximately 1/4 cup, and adjust according to your taste preference.
3
Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
4
Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld beautifully.
5
Before serving, give the salad another light toss and adjust the seasoning or dressing as necessary.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Delight Salad?
It is a seasonal autumn salad featuring crispy Chinese cabbage, diced ham, crunchy walnuts, and sweet apples.
What are the main ingredients in Harvest Delight Salad?
The main ingredients include Chinese cabbage (nappa), diced ham, apples, chopped walnuts, and celery.
Is Harvest Delight Salad a main dish?
Yes, this vibrant salad is designed to be a satisfying main dish.
What type of cabbage should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 head of Chinese cabbage, also known as nappa cabbage.
How should the ham be prepared?
The ham should be diced into tender chunks, totaling about 1 lb.
What kind of apples are recommended?
Any sweet apples work well; the recipe suggests visiting a local orchard for the freshest seasonal apples.
Is cheese included in the recipe?
Mozzarella cheese is an optional ingredient that can be added for extra creaminess.
What dressing is best for this salad?
An aromatic balsamic vinaigrette is used to enhance and tie the seasonal flavors together.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
How should the cabbage be cut?
The Chinese cabbage should be cut into fine shreds.
How many apples are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 diced apples.
What is the serving suggestion for this salad?
It can be served alongside warm bread, biscuits, cornbread, or packed into wraps.
Can I add peppers to the salad?
Yes, one chopped green pepper is an optional addition for extra crunch.
How much walnut should I add?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld.
Why should the salad sit for 10 minutes?
Letting the salad sit allows the ingredients and vinaigrette to blend together beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for autumn gatherings due to its vibrant colors and seasonal flavors.
Is Harvest Delight Salad healthy?
Yes, it is categorized as a healthy recipe featuring fresh fruit, vegetables, and nuts.
Can I customize the recipe?
Yes, the recipe is highly adaptable to suit personal dietary preferences.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The celery stalks (1-2) should be thinly sliced.
How much mozzarella cheese is suggested?
If using cheese, 1/2 lb of cubed mozzarella is recommended.
How much balsamic vinaigrette should I use?
Start with approximately 1/4 cup and adjust to your personal taste.
Can I pack this salad for lunch?
Yes, it can be neatly packed into wraps for a satisfying on-the-go lunch option.
What type of vinaigrette is suggested if making it from scratch?
A basic vinaigrette dressing without optional Italian seasoning is suggested.
Should the walnuts be toasted?
The recipe calls for chopped walnuts; toasting them is an optional way to add more depth.
Is this salad seasonal?
Yes, it is specifically designed to celebrate the flavors and bounty of autumn.
How do I ensure an even distribution of flavors?
Gently toss all ingredients together thoroughly after adding the dressing.
What should I do right before serving?
Give the salad another light toss and adjust the seasoning or dressing as necessary.
How many celery stalks are used?
The recipe uses 1 to 2 stalks of celery.
Can I omit the ham for a vegetarian version?
Yes, the recipe is adaptable, and you can omit the ham to suit dietary preferences.