Autumn Tossed Salad
A crisp and flavorful fall salad with fresh lettuce, tart apples, red onion, and blue cheese, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, pour 1/4 cup of salad dressing and half of the Blue cheese.
- Mash the Blue cheese into the dressing and blend until smooth.
- Add the lettuce, apple slices, and red onion to the bowl.
- Crumble the remaining Blue cheese on top of the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the Blue cheese and dressing mixture. If you prefer a sweeter touch, replace tart apples with honeycrisp apples. You can also use feta cheese as a substitute for Blue cheese if you want a milder flavor. This salad can be adjusted to your taste—try adding nuts for crunch or dried cranberries for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This Autumn Tossed Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted turkey for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside warm, crusty bread or as a side dish to a comforting soup like Pumpkin Soup. For a complete autumn feast, serve it with a slice of Aunt Thelma's Coconut Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the lettuce from wilting, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. If you need to reheat any components, such as cooked apples, do so gently in a microwave, but it's best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Autumn Tossed Salad contains roughly 234 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 948mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time. Chop the lettuce, apples, and onion, and store them separately. Mix the dressing and Blue cheese in advance as well. Just combine everything right before serving for the freshest taste.
What other ingredients can I add to this salad?
You can customize your Autumn Tossed Salad by adding ingredients like walnuts, pecans, or even roasted butternut squash for extra flavor and texture. Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds would also enhance the autumn theme and provide a nice sweetness.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Autumn Tossed Salad is suitable for vegetarians as it primarily consists of vegetables and cheese. Just ensure that the dressing you use is also vegetarian-friendly, as some dressings may contain anchovy or other non-vegetarian ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).