Irresistible Fall Apple Salad with Candied Pecans, Sharp White Cheddar & Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Embrace the vibrant flavors of autumn with this stunning and incredibly delicious Fall Apple Salad. This recipe brings together a harmonious blend of crisp Honeycrisp apple slices, sharp white cheddar cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a homemade maple balsamic vinaigrette. It’s not just a feast for the taste buds; its beautiful presentation makes it a centerpiece-worthy dish for any fall gathering or a bright, refreshing addition to your everyday meals.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, we often gravitate towards comforting, heavier foods. However, that doesn’t mean our meals have to be entirely indulgent. This vibrant fall salad offers the perfect balance, adding a much-needed burst of freshness and a delightful array of textures to your plate during the colder months. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party, planning a festive holiday meal, or simply seeking a wholesome side dish, this Fall Apple Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Every bite of this salad is a celebration of autumn’s bounty. The sweet and tart notes of the apples and cranberries are perfectly complemented by the savory sharp cheddar and the rich, buttery crunch of candied pecans. The homemade maple balsamic vinaigrette ties all these elements together with its sweet, tangy, and subtly herby profile, creating an unforgettable flavor experience. Its dynamic combination of flavors and textures makes it truly exceptional.

Prepare to be amazed by how incredibly good this salad is – and how effortlessly elegant it looks! It’s truly one of the most perfect autumn salads you can make, serving as an ideal companion to a hearty soup, a comforting casserole, or any protein-focused main dish. But don’t limit its potential; with a few simple additions, this apple salad can easily be transformed into a satisfying main course. Keep reading to discover how to adapt this recipe to suit any occasion.

Table of Contents

• Why This Fall Apple Salad is a Must-Try
• Key Ingredients You’ll Need
• Choosing the Best Apples for Your Salad
• How to Make This Delicious Fall Apple Salad
• Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions
• How to Prep This Salad in Advance for Easy Entertaining
• More Delightful Salad Recipes
• Get the Full Recipe

Why This Fall Apple Salad is a Must-Try

This salad isn’t just another side dish; it’s an experience. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your fall menu:

• Perfect Seasonal Balance: It perfectly balances the sweetness of apples and cranberries with the tang of balsamic and the savory depth of sharp cheddar.
• Dynamic Texture Profile: From the crisp greens and crunchy apples to the chewy cranberries and nutty candied pecans, every forkful offers an exciting textural contrast.
• Visually Appealing: With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, this salad is incredibly beautiful and will impress your guests.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: It’s equally at home at a casual weeknight dinner as it is on a grand holiday buffet.
• Easy to Customize: The base recipe is fantastic, but it’s also highly adaptable, allowing you to swap ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this flavorful fall apple salad requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. The magic truly happens when these simple components come together:

For the Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• Balsamic Vinegar: The cornerstone of our tangy dressing, providing a rich, deep flavor.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for a smooth, emulsified vinaigrette.
• Minced Shallot: Adds a delicate, sweet onion flavor that’s milder than regular onion.
• Real Maple Syrup: Contributes a quintessential fall sweetness and a beautiful depth to the dressing. Brown sugar can be a substitute if needed.
• Fresh Rosemary or Sage: These herbs are critical for infusing that warm, aromatic “fall” essence into the vinaigrette. A combination works wonderfully.
• Dijon Mustard: Helps to emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle, piquant kick.
• Salt and Ground Pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.

For the Salad Assembly:

• Mixed Greens: A tender base for your salad. Spring mix, baby spinach, or a blend of your favorites work perfectly.
• Tart Apples: The star of the show! Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Gala, Cosmic Crisp, or Envy apples are highly recommended for their crisp texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor.
• Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: Provides a creamy, savory, and tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit and nuts.
• Candied or Toasted Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and rich, nutty flavor. Candied pecans elevate the sweetness, while toasted pecans offer a more savory note.
• Dried Cranberries: Offer chewy texture and a concentrated burst of tart and sweet flavor, typical of fall.

Choosing the Best Apples for Your Salad

The apple is undeniably the star ingredient in this fall salad, providing both a refreshing crunch and a sweet-tart flavor profile. While you can certainly use any apple you have on hand, selecting the right variety can elevate your salad from good to truly exceptional. My top recommendations are apples that are both sweet and slightly tart, with a firm, crisp texture that holds up well in a salad.

My absolute favorite apple varieties for this salad include:

• Honeycrisp: As featured in this recipe, Honeycrisp apples are known for their incredibly crisp texture and wonderfully balanced sweet-tart flavor. They add a satisfying snap to every bite.
• Pink Lady: These apples offer a refreshing sweetness with a tart finish and a firm, juicy texture that resists browning quickly.
• Gala: Sweet, mild, and crisp, Gala apples are a popular choice that works beautifully without overpowering other flavors.
• Cosmic Crisp: A newer variety, Cosmic Crisp apples are famously crisp, juicy, and have a rich, sweet, and slightly tart flavor that lasts.
• Envy: With their bright red skin and sweet, crunchy flesh, Envy apples are another excellent option that maintains its color and texture.

These varieties not only provide the desired crunch but also contribute a complex flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients in the salad. A fresh, crisp apple is key to the overall enjoyment of this dish.

How to Make This Delicious Fall Apple Salad

Preparing this exquisite fall apple salad is straightforward and quick, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when entertaining. Follow these simple steps to assemble a show-stopping dish:

1. Prepare the Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette: This is where much of the salad’s signature flavor comes from. In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid (like a mason jar), combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, finely minced shallots, fresh rosemary and/or sage, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified. The dressing will naturally separate as it sits, so remember to give it another good shake or whisk just before drizzling it over the salad. The fresh herbs are key to imparting that wonderful fall aroma!

   

2. Wash and Prepare the Greens: Even if your mixed greens come pre-washed, it’s always a good practice to give them another rinse under cool water. Then, spin them dry in a salad spinner. This extra step not only ensures they are perfectly clean but also helps to crisp them up, enhancing their texture in the salad. Excess water can dilute your dressing, so make sure they are thoroughly dry.
3. Slice Apples, Pecans, and Cheese: Precision in cutting contributes to both the aesthetics and texture of the salad. Slice your chosen apples thinly, or chop them into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. For the pecans, you can keep them whole for a more rustic look and bigger crunch, or roughly chop them into smaller pieces. The sharp white cheddar cheese can be thinly sliced, shredded, or cut into small cubes, depending on your preference. Aim for uniform pieces for an elegant presentation and balanced flavor in each bite.

   

4. Combine and Serve: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the washed greens, apple slices, chopped cheese, candied pecans, and dried cranberries. For a beautifully arranged salad, consider reserving about half of the “mix-ins” (apples, cheese, pecans, cranberries) to strategically place on top after tossing. This creates an inviting and visually appealing presentation. Lightly toss the salad with a few tablespoons of the prepared maple balsamic vinaigrette. Alternatively, you can serve the dressing on the side, allowing guests to add their desired amount. This also helps keep the salad fresher for longer if serving a crowd.
5. Enjoy Immediately: For the best taste and texture, this fall apple salad is best enjoyed freshly made. The crispness of the apples and greens, along with the vibrant flavors, are at their peak right after assembly. However, if you need to prepare parts of it in advance, check out my helpful tips below to ensure your salad remains fresh and delicious for later serving.

How to Prep This Salad in Advance for Easy Entertaining

Salads sometimes get a bad rap for their short shelf life, but with a few smart strategies, you can easily prepare elements of this fall apple salad hours or even days ahead of time. These make-ahead tips are perfect for simplifying meal prep, reducing stress when entertaining, or ensuring you have a quick, healthy option ready to go:

• Vinaigrette Longevity: The maple balsamic vinaigrette is remarkably stable. Prepare it up to 2 weeks in advance and store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen over time. Just remember to give it a good shake or whisk right before serving to re-emulsify it.
• Greens Care: Wash and thoroughly dry your mixed greens up to several days ahead. Instead of storing them in their original plastic bag or box, place them in a dedicated salad-specific storage container lined with a paper towel. This method keeps them crisp and fresh for up to a week, preventing wilting and sogginess.
• Apple Browning Prevention: Apples should ideally be chopped fresh just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent browning. However, if you’re preparing for a buffet or a situation where the salad will sit out for longer than 10-15 minutes, toss the sliced apples with a very small amount of lemon juice (or even a little apple cider vinegar) to inhibit oxidation and keep them looking fresh.
• Dressing on the Side: A key tip for any make-ahead salad! Always keep the dressing separate and allow guests to add it themselves. This prevents the greens from becoming soggy and extends the salad’s freshness considerably, especially useful for potlucks or holiday spreads.
• Partial Assembly: You can combine the greens, dried cranberries, cheese, and pecans a few hours before serving. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add the freshly sliced apples and vinaigrette just before you’re ready to serve for the best results.

Get the Full Recipe

This recipe was originally published in October 2015 and has been updated for clarity and deliciousness.