The Ultimate Autumn Salad with Candied Pecans & Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This vibrant autumn salad features crisp apples, creamy avocado, and tart pomegranate arils, complemented by savory prosciutto, crumbled feta, and candied pecans and pumpkin seeds, all tossed in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large Salad Bowl
- Jar with a Lid
Ingredients
Candied Pecans & Pumpkin Seeds
- 1/4 cup pecans raw
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- flaky sea salt
Salad Components
- 3 ounces prosciutto thinly sliced
- 6 cups arugula or shredded kale
- 2 honeycrisp apples thinly sliced
- 1 avocado diced
- pomegranate arils from 1 pomegranate
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple butter (optional)
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Bake Pecans & Prosciutto
- On the baking sheet, toss pecans, pumpkin seeds, maple, cayenne, and cinnamon, arranging them in a single layer. Place prosciutto around the nuts and bake for 10-15 minutes until toasted and crisp; sprinkle nuts with sea salt after baking.
Assemble Salad Base
- While the nuts and prosciutto bake, combine arugula, apples, avocado, and pomegranate arils in a large salad bowl.
Make Vinaigrette
- Prepare the vinaigrette by shaking all dressing ingredients together in a lidded jar; taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Combine & Serve
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss to combine, then top with the toasted nuts, crisp prosciutto, and crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Notes
This ultimate autumn salad combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with delightful textures. Adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less spice, and feel free to use your favorite leafy greens.