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Autumn Chopped Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 557 reviews

This Autumn Chopped Salad is a vibrant and crunchy mix perfect for fall, featuring crisp romaine, sweet pears, smoky bacon, crunchy maple pecans, sharp cheddar, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a blend of balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressings. It’s a colorful, flavorful salad ideal for a hearty side or light meal.

Ingredients

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Salad Ingredients

  • 8 cups romaine hearts, chopped
  • 1 pear, chopped
  • 8 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

Maple Pecans

  • 1 recipe Maple Pecans (prepared and chopped as per recipe)

Dressings

  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing

Instructions

  1. Prepare Maple Pecans: Make the maple pecans according to the specified recipe, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Chop Ingredients: Chop romaine hearts, sharp cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and pear into ½ to ¾ inch pieces, ensuring all ingredients are similar in size to create a uniform chopped salad texture. Set aside.
  3. Assemble Salad: In a large serving bowl, place the chopped romaine as a base, then layer with the chopped pear, chopped bacon, chopped maple pecans, diced cheddar cheese, and dried cranberries.
  4. Make Dressing: Combine the balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressing in a jar, shaking vigorously to blend them well.
  5. Toss Salad: Pour the combined dressing over the salad, and gently toss the salad using tongs to evenly coat all ingredients without bruising or over-mixing. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • The key to a great chopped salad is uniformly sized ingredients; aim for ½ to ¾ inch pieces.
  • Use freshly cooked and cooled bacon for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Combine two dressings for a balanced tangy and sweet flavor profile.
  • Serve immediately after tossing to maintain crispness.
  • Maple pecans add a sweet crunch and can be prepared in advance.

Keywords: autumn salad, chopped salad, bacon salad, pear salad, maple pecans, fall salad, balsamic vinaigrette, poppy seed dressing

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/autumn-chopped-salad-recipe/