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This image shows a top-down view of Autumn Chopped Salad in a large white ceramic bowl on a white marble countertop, featuring a colorful mix of fresh fruits, vegetables, bacon, and cheese.

Autumn Chopped Salad Recipe

This colorful autumn chopped salad bursts with crisp apples and pears, salty bacon, tangy feta, crunchy peanuts, and sweet cranberries, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s a refreshing, flavor-packed dish perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or a festive side at dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 2 people
Calories 474 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Salad tongs or large spoon
  • Measuring spoons
  • Microwave-safe plate
  • Paper towels

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pear, chopped
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 apple, chopped
  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, or more or less
  • 3 slices center-cut bacon
  • ¼ cup store-bought Poppy Seed Salad Dressing
  • ¼ cup peanuts, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Place bacon strips between folded paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.
    This image shows raw bacon strips placed between folded white paper towels on a microwave-safe white plate, sitting on a clean white marble cooktop.
  • Microwave for 1 minute, rotate the plate a quarter turn, and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Continue rotating and microwaving in 30-second intervals until the bacon is crisp.
    This image shows crispy, golden bacon between paper towels on a white ceramic plate atop a white marble cooktop.
  • Allow it to cool, then chop.
    This image shows a glass bowl filled with chopped crispy bacon pieces, placed on a clean white marble cooktop.
  • In a very large bowl, combine chopped bacon, romaine lettuce, diced pear, diced apple, peanuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
    This image shows a large glass bowl on a white marble cooktop with chopped romaine lettuce, bacon, apples, pear, feta, peanuts, and cranberries layered inside.
  • Add your preferred amount of salad dressing and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
    This image shows salad dressing and balsamic vinegar added over layered autumn salad ingredients in a glass bowl on a white marble cooktop.
  • Toss everything together until evenly coated, then serve immediately.
    This image shows a fully tossed Autumn Chopped Salad in a glass bowl, placed on a white marble cooktop with all ingredients evenly coated.

Notes

  • Use two different apple varieties (like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) for a mix of sweet and tart flavors.
  • Toast the peanuts lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • For even chopping, aim to dice all fruits and toppings to about the same size for balanced bites.