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Healthy Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Vinaigrette

Healthy Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Vinaigrette - featured image
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A quick and easy fall salad featuring roasted turkey, crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a tangy apple vinaigrette. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked turkey breast, shredded or cubed
  • 5 oz mixed salad greens (about 5 cups)
  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
  2. Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and the minced shallot. Whisk or shake to combine. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Then slowly drizzle in ¼ cup olive oil while whisking or shaking vigorously. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the apples: Core the apple and slice it thinly—about ⅛-inch thick. Leave the skin on.
  4. Warm the turkey: If using leftover turkey, warm it gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a skillet over low heat until just room temperature.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, sliced apple, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Add the warm turkey on top.
  6. Dress and toss: Give the vinaigrette one last shake, then drizzle about half of it over the salad. Toss gently until everything is lightly coated. Add more dressing if needed.
  7. Serve immediately: Divide among plates or bowls. Eat right away for the best texture.

Notes

Toast nuts always for best flavor. Dry greens thoroughly to help dressing stick. Let dressing rest for 5 minutes to mellow shallot. Start with half the dressing and add more as needed. Let warm turkey cool slightly before adding to greens to prevent wilting.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall harvest salad, apple vinaigrette, healthy salad, turkey salad, quick dinner, gluten-free, fall recipe

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/healthy-fall-harvest-salad-with-apple-vinaigrette/