Introduction

This Autumn Chopped Salad is a delightful mix of crisp greens, sweet apples, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta. Perfect for a light lunch or as a vibrant side, it offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that celebrate the season.

Autumn Chopped Salad with Apples, Cranberries, Pecans, and Feta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
2 cups Spring Mix lettuce
2 small Red Delicious or Gala apples, sliced thin
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped candied pecans
8 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled
4 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled
Creamy Poppy Seed salad dressing, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, Spring Mix lettuce, sliced apples, dried cranberries, chopped candied pecans, crumbled crisp bacon, and crumbled Feta cheese. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly mix all ingredients.
Step 2: Divide the mixed salad among individual serving bowls. Top each portion with your desired amount of creamy poppy seed dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and best texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before chopping.
Swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
Use Granny Smith apples for a tarter flavor contrast.
Try substituting goat cheese for feta for a creamier texture.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness—keep greens refrigerated and dressing apart. The assembled salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored without dressing for up to 1 day. Add dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

To keep the salad crisp, prepare and store the ingredients separately and toss with dressing just before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have creamy poppy seed dressing?

A simple honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette works well as an alternative to complement the sweet and savory flavors.

Autumn Chopped Salad with Apples, Cranberries, Pecans, and Feta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

This Autumn Chopped Salad is a vibrant, flavorful combination of crisp Romaine and Spring Mix lettuces, sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, crunchy candied pecans, savory bacon, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed with a luscious creamy poppy seed dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and seasonal flavors for a quick, refreshing meal or side dish.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cooking and crisping bacon)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

8 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
2 cups Spring Mix lettuce
2 small Red Delicious or Gala apples, sliced thin
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped candied pecans
8 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled
4 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing

Creamy Poppy Seed salad dressing, to taste

Instructions

Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped Romaine lettuce, Spring Mix lettuce, sliced apples, dried cranberries, chopped candied pecans, crumbled crisp bacon, and crumbled Feta cheese. Toss well to evenly combine all ingredients.
Serve with dressing: Divide the mixed salad among individual bowls. Top each serving with your desired amount of creamy poppy seed dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors.