Name: Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 units Honeycrisp Apples (Feel free to swap for tart Granny Smith.); 0.5 cups Dried Cranberries (Raisins can work too.); 0.5 cups Chopped Pecans (Walnuts make for a nice substitution.); 0.33 cups Crumbled Blue Cheese (Try feta for a lighter option.); 4 slices Crispy Bacon (Consider turkey bacon for a leaner twist.); 4 cups Baby Spinach (Mix with arugula for added flavor.); 2 cups Butter Lettuce or Romaine Lettuce (Any fresh greens based on preference.); 3 tablespoons Reserved Bacon Grease (Substitute with olive oil for vegetarian.); 0.25 cups Red Wine Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar is also great.); 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (Honey can be used for sweetness.); 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (Yellow mustard is a handy alternative.); to taste Salt

As the days grow crisper and leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of colors, there’s one dish that perfectly captures the heart of autumn: a vibrant Fall Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette. This delightful salad not only offers a quick prep time, making it a breeze for busy weeknights, but also shines as an impressive centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Picture crisp Honeycrisp apples mingling with savory bacon and the warm embrace of a homemade vinaigrette that elevates every bite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting side to complement your roasted turkey or a satisfying lunch that celebrates the season, this salad is sure to please. Are you ready to bring a taste of fall to your table?

Why is this salad a fall favorite?

Seasonal Delight: This Fall Salad showcases the best of autumn ingredients, making it a perfect choice as the days turn crisp. Quick & Easy: With a simple prep time, you’ll find it a breeze to whip up for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The savory maple bacon vinaigrette paired with sweet Honeycrisp apples creates an irresistible harmony that your guests will love. Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with nuts or substitute cheeses to cater to your crowd or diet. This salad isn’t just delicious—it’s a visual feast, perfect as a stunning centerpiece or a delightful side dish alongside your favorite roasted meats like in our Bacon Ranch Pasta or BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT Sandwich.

Fall Harvest Salad Ingredients

• Celebrate the season with these vibrant flavors!

For the Salad

Honeycrisp Apples – Adds a sweet, juicy crunch; feel free to swap for tart Granny Smith for a zing!
Dried Cranberries – These chewy bites provide a sweet contrast; raisins can work too in a pinch.
Chopped Pecans – Offers a delightful nuttiness and texture; walnuts make for a nice substitution.
Crumbled Blue Cheese – Provides creamy richness; try feta cheese for a lighter option.
Crispy Bacon – Introduces savory depth; consider turkey bacon for a leaner twist or omit for vegetarian glory.
Baby Spinach – A fresh base that pairs beautifully; mix with arugula for added flavor complexity.
Butter Lettuce or Romaine Lettuce – Contributes a delicate softness; any fresh green will do based on preference.

For the Vinaigrette

Reserved Bacon Grease – Essential for warmth in the vinaigrette; substitute with olive oil for a vegetarian option.
Red Wine Vinegar – Balances flavors with its tang; apple cider vinegar also works great.
Maple Syrup – Enhances sweetness with autumn vibes; honey can be used as a natural sweetener.
Dijon Mustard – Aids in emulsifying the vinaigrette; yellow mustard is a handy alternative in a pinch.
Salt – Elevates the overall taste; adjust to your liking.

This Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette is a colorful explosion of flavors, bringing the essence of autumn right to your dinner table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Begin by placing a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook the bacon for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it turns crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, carefully remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, reserving approximately 3 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a medium bowl, combine the reserved warm bacon grease with ¼ cup of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the vinaigrette is smooth, creating a warm and savory dressing to complement the Fall Harvest Salad.

Step 3: Assemble the Greens and Toppings
In a large salad bowl, layer in 4 cups of baby spinach and 2 cups of chopped butter lettuce. Next, add 2 diced Honeycrisp apples, ½ cup of dried cranberries, ½ cup of chopped pecans, and ⅓ cup of crumbled blue cheese. This vibrant mix of ingredients not only adds flavor but also creates an eye-catching presentation for your Fall Harvest Salad.

Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the warm maple bacon vinaigrette generously over the salad mixture. Gently toss the salad using tongs or two large forks, ensuring that all the ingredients are coated in the delicious vinaigrette. The warmth of the dressing will enhance the overall flavor of the Fall Harvest Salad and slightly wilt the greens for a delightful texture.

Step 5: Add the Bacon and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy bacon on top of the salad for an added crunch and savory element. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm and cool elements in each bite. This delightful Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a hearty lunch.

Make Ahead Options

This Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette is a perfect choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can chop the Honeycrisp apples, pecans, and prepare the dried cranberries up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to retain their freshness. The bacon can be cooked and cooled ahead of time; just keep it crispy by storing it separately until you’re ready to serve. For optimal taste, make the vinaigrette and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; when it’s time to enjoy, just warm it slightly before drizzling it over the salad. This way, you achieve a delightful meal with minimal effort, all while ensuring every bite is just as delicious as freshly made!

Expert Tips for Fall Harvest Salad

Crispy Bacon Essential: Ensure the bacon is cooked until crispy; undercooked bacon can lead to a soggy salad and disappointing texture.
Warm Vinaigrette Magic: Always use warm bacon grease for the vinaigrette to help the flavors meld beautifully. Incorporating it while still warm ensures a smooth blend.
Keep Ingredients Fresh: Store the salad and vinaigrette separately to maintain fresh textures. Toss together just before serving for optimal crunch in the Fall Harvest Salad.
Customize to Taste: Feel free to swap nuts or cheeses based on your preferences. Experimenting with ingredients keeps this salad exciting and personal.
Perfect Pairings: This salad shines as a side with roasted meats or can stand alone as a filling lunch. Try it alongside your favorite autumn dishes for a full seasonal touch.

What to Serve with Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette

Elevate your meal with delightful sides that complement the vivid flavors of autumn in this scrumptious salad.

Roasted Chicken: The tender, savory flavors of roasted chicken perfectly balance the sweetness of the salad, creating a satisfying dish that warms the soul.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These velvety potatoes bring a comforting, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp freshness of the salad.
Autumn Veggie Medley: A colorful selection of roasted seasonal vegetables adds texture and brings an earthy element, highlighting the salad’s vibrant notes. Enjoy the mix of textures and flavors as they come together.
Apple Cider Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of these glazed carrots echoes the maple notes in the vinaigrette, tying the meal together with autumn’s signature flavors.
Pumpkin Bread: Serve a slice of moist pumpkin bread for a delightful sweet touch that complements the savory aspects of the salad well. It makes a lovely finish to your meal.
Sparkling Cider: A refreshing glass of sparkling cider brings effervescence and a touch of sweetness, pairing beautifully with the hearty ingredients of the salad. It’s a perfect drink for autumn gatherings.

Fall Harvest Salad Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to put your own twist on this delightful recipe and savor the flavors of fall in your way!

Vegetarian Delight: Omit the bacon and substitute the reserved bacon grease with olive oil for a fabulous vegetarian option.
Cheese Swap: Want a different flavor profile? Try goat cheese for a tangier bite instead of blue cheese. It’s creamy too!
More Veggies: Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes to enhance the autumnal vibe and provide added sustenance.
Nuts Galore: Swap pecans for walnuts or even hazelnuts to change up the texture and flavor. A nutty crunch is always a winner!
Fruit Fusion: Experiment with dried figs or apricots in place of cranberries for an exciting new sweetness in every forkful.
Heat It Up: A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes will elevate the flavor level for those who enjoy a little spice in their salad.
Greens Variety: Mix in arugula or kale with the spinach for additional flavor depth and a unique twist on your greens.

For more heartwarming ideas, check out our Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread or try the Big Mac Pasta Salad alongside your fresh fall creations.

Remember, this autumn salad is meant to be enjoyed and personalized, so let your creativity flow!

How to Store and Freeze Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette

Fridge: Store the leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

Freezer: Not recommended for freezing as the fresh ingredients can lose texture and flavor, especially the greens and apples.

Reheating: If you’re storing the bacon separately, you can re-crisp it in a skillet before adding it back to the salad. Enjoy the Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette fresh for the best experience!

Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best apples for this salad?
Absolutely! For this Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette, Honeycrisp apples are an excellent choice due to their sweet and crunchy profile. If you prefer a sharper flavor, feel free to use tart Granny Smith apples instead. Look for apples that are firm and free of bruises or dark spots to ensure freshness and flavor.

What is the best way to store leftovers?
To keep your salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the warm maple bacon vinaigrette in a separate container to prevent the greens from wilting. When ready to enjoy, simply combine the salad and dressing just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I freeze this salad?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing the Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette. Freezing can cause the greens, apples, and other fresh ingredients to lose their texture and flavor once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so try to prepare only what you will eat in a few days.

What if I need a vegetarian option for this salad?
Very easy! To transform this salad into a vegetarian delight, simply omit the bacon and replace the reserved bacon grease with olive oil in the vinaigrette. You can also enhance the depth of flavor by adding roasted vegetables such as butternut squash or grilled mushrooms.

How can I prevent my bacon from becoming soggy?
Great question! To maintain crispy bacon in your salad, ensure that you cook it until it is golden brown and crispy. After cooking, allow it to drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease before adding it to the salad. Adding it just before serving also helps keep it crunchy.

What types of nuts can I substitute in this salad?
The more the merrier! Chopped pecans lend a beautiful nuttiness to this salad, but feel free to swap them for walnuts, sliced almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you’re looking for some crunch without nuts. Just make sure the substitute complements the flavors of the warm maple bacon vinaigrette!