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–+ servings
Colorful autumn chopped salad with apples, roasted squash, dried cranberries, nuts, and chicken served in a white bowl.
Callie Brooks

Autumn Chopped Salad

This autumn chopped salad is a crunchy, hearty, and colorful celebration of the season. Featuring crisp apples, quinoa, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed with a tangy maple vinaigrette, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or festive dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, butter lettuce, or spring mix)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
  • 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cup pecans (toasted)
  • 4 oz goat cheese (crumbled)
  • 0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • grilled chicken or bacon (optional, for protein)
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.125 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • small bowl or jar (for vinaigrette)
  • whisk or fork
  • knife and cutting board
  • baking sheet (for pecans)

Method
 

  1. Prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, spread out to cool completely.
  2. Toast pecans on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  4. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, quinoa, diced apple, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, goat cheese, and red onion.
  5. Add optional protein like grilled chicken or bacon for a heartier salad variation.
  6. Drizzle with vinaigrette, toss gently to coat, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 8gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 2200IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.6mg

Notes

Swap in pears, grapes, or pomegranate seeds for the apple. Use feta or blue cheese instead of goat cheese. Add grilled chicken, turkey, or bacon for more protein. For extra crunch, try a chopped cabbage salad base. Assemble just before serving for best texture.

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