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Fresh Apple Bacon Salad

Featured in Refreshing Salads for Every Meal.

This bright fall salad offers a refreshing break from heavier autumn dishes by combining crisp sweet apples, smoky bacon, creamy feta and maple-glazed pecans into a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient adds its own distinctive element - from the crunch of fresh apples to the salty bacon bits, tangy cheese crumbles and candied nuts that make every bite interesting and satisfying. Ready in just 25 minutes and perfectly portioned for four servings, it's an effortless way to bring a light, fresh element to your fall table while still celebrating seasonal ingredients.
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:15:18 GMT
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A vibrant salad featuring leafy greens, sliced apples, cranberries, pecans, bacon bits, and crumbled cheese, presented in a wooden bowl. Pin it
A vibrant salad featuring leafy greens, sliced apples, cranberries, pecans, bacon bits, and crumbled cheese, presented in a wooden bowl. | tastygusto.com

Fall is my favorite season for creating fresh salads and this one brings back memories of cozy family dinners. I love how the sweet apples play with smoky bacon and tangy feta in every bite. The combination of textures from crisp greens to crunchy pecans makes this salad absolutely irresistible. My kitchen fills with autumn vibes whenever I make this refreshing dish.

Why This Salad Will Become Your Fall Favorite

I created this recipe for busy weeknights but it's fancy enough for holiday dinners too. The mix of flavors works perfectly as a light lunch or alongside comfort food classics. My family loves the combo of sweet fruits and crunchy nuts. Even my picky eaters grab seconds when this salad hits the table.

Everything You Need

  • Romaine Lettuce: 8 cups chopped up for that perfect crunch
  • Spring Mix: 2 cups to add beautiful color and flavor
  • Apples: 2 small Red Delicious or Gala sliced thin. Honeycrisp works amazing too
  • Cranberries: 1 cup dried for sweet little bursts of flavor
  • Candied Pecans: 1 cup roughly chopped. I make extra for snacking
  • Bacon: 8 slices cooked until perfectly crispy
  • Feta Cheese: 4 ounces crumbled fresh
  • Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing: The secret ingredient that ties it all together

Getting It Together

Create Your Base
Mix Romaine and Spring Mix in your biggest salad bowl
Layer Your Goodies
Add fresh apple slices, sweet cranberries, candied pecans, crispy bacon and crumbled feta
Time to Serve
Toss everything gently, drizzle with poppy seed dressing and get it to the table while everything is super fresh

My Best Tips

Want to save time? Prep everything but the apples ahead. Slice those just before serving it really makes a difference. Sometimes I swap in butter lettuce or baby spinach when I want to change things up. The salad turns out gorgeous every single time.

Quick Prep Guide

Get a head start by mixing your greens and storing toppings separately in the fridge. When mealtime comes around just slice those apples fresh and add your dressing. This way everything stays crisp and delicious right until serving.

Mix It Up

Love experimenting in the kitchen like me? Try swapping the feta for some creamy goat cheese or bold blue cheese. Sometimes I toss in sunflower seeds for extra crunch. When I'm feeling fancy I use a balsamic drizzle instead of the poppy seed dressing. Your salad your rules.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This salad brings together everything I love about fall cooking. Sweet meets salty crispy meets creamy. It works for casual family dinners but looks fancy enough for holidays too. Trust me once you try it this way you'll never look back.

A fresh salad in a wooden bowl, featuring lettuce, chopped apples, dried cranberries, pecans, and small pieces of cheese. Pin it
A fresh salad in a wooden bowl, featuring lettuce, chopped apples, dried cranberries, pecans, and small pieces of cheese. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
For best taste and texture, eat this salad right away after assembling. If needed, you can prep ingredients separately and store in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
→ What apples work best in this recipe?
Red Delicious and Gala apples give great flavor and crunch. Honeycrisp works great too when in season. Pick firm, crisp apples for best results.
→ Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Skip the bacon and add some roasted chickpeas for protein and crunch. The salad still tastes amazing with all the other ingredients.
→ What can I use instead of poppy seed dressing?
Balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard work great with these flavors. A light ranch dressing tastes good too if you want something creamy.
→ Can I prep this salad ahead for a party?
Keep all ingredients separate until ready to serve. Slice apples last and add dressing right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.

Autumn Chopped Salad

A fresh fall salad loaded with crisp apples, bacon, feta and sweet pecans. Light and delicious for cozy autumn days.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
25 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 large salad bowls)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 8 cups chopped Romaine lettuce.
02 2 cups Spring Mix lettuce.
03 2 small Red Delicious or Gala apples sliced thin.
04 1 cup dried cranberries.
05 1 cup chopped candied pecans.
06 8 slices bacon crisp-cooked and crumbled.
07 4 ounces Feta cheese crumbled.
08 Creamy Poppy Seed salad dressing.

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce and Spring Mix. Add sliced apples, dried cranberries, candied pecans, crumbled bacon and feta cheese.

Step 02

Split salad into bowls and drizzle with poppy seed dressing. Serve right away while fresh and crisp.

Notes

  1. Perfect light meal for fall season.
  2. Can prep ingredients ahead except apples.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Cutting board.
  • Sharp knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (feta cheese).
  • Tree nuts (pecans).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 15 g