Harvest Fall Salad

Fall salads are the real deal, y’all! When the weather cools down and the leaves start to turn golden, there’s nothing I crave more than a big bowl of freshness with a cozy twist. This Harvest Fall Salad brings together all the best flavors of the season — crisp apples and pears, smoky bacon, tangy feta, and a drizzle of homemade apple cider vinaigrette that ties everything together in the most magical way.

Save

This is the kind of salad that makes people say “Wait… this is a salad?” because it’s that good. It’s sweet, savory, crunchy, and satisfying enough to stand on its own, yet elegant enough to serve beside a bowl of soup or roasted chicken. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner party or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is going to become your autumn go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Harvest Fall Salad

• Seasonal perfection: Fresh apples, pears, and cider make this salad taste like autumn in every bite.
• Balanced flavors: The smoky bacon, creamy feta, and tangy vinaigrette balance out the natural sweetness of the fruit.
• Simple but impressive: It looks fancy, but it’s ready in under 20 minutes.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the dressing and toppings ahead, then toss everything together right before serving.

If you’re ready to fall in love with salad again, this one will make you a believer. 🥗✨

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 7 oz (about 4 cups) of mixed greens, rinsed and dried
• 1 pear, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala work beautifully)
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• 4 slices of cooked bacon, chopped
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1½ tbsp minced shallots
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make the Perfect Harvest Fall Salad

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by adding the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallots to a small saucepan. Bring it all to a boil over high heat. Let it bubble away for about 7 to 8 minutes, or until it reduces to around ½ cup. This step concentrates the flavor and gives your vinaigrette that rich, caramelized apple essence that makes this salad shine.
Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk the reduced cider mixture with Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning — maybe a touch more honey if you want a sweeter balance, or extra vinegar for more tang. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Grab a large serving bowl and layer your mixed greens first. Add the sliced pear, apple, dried cranberries, and bacon pieces. Sprinkle feta cheese all over the top for that creamy-salty contrast.

Step 4: Toss & Serve

Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together gently until coated. Serve immediately while the greens are crisp and the fruit fresh.

Pro Tips for the Best Harvest Fall Salad

• Keep it fresh: Add dressing right before serving to avoid soggy greens.
• Play with textures: Add roasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for extra crunch.
• Make it a meal: Top it with grilled chicken or salmon for extra protein.
• Prep ahead: You can make the vinaigrette a day in advance — store it in a jar in the fridge and give it a good shake before using.

Print