Autumn Harvest Salad

Autumn Harvest Salad

The beauty of autumn is reflected in all of the wonderful colors and textures of this salad. Perfect for your holiday tables and buffets or as a unique addition to a weekday dinner. Lightly dressed with just a hint of balsamic vinegar, olive oil and lemon, you’ll want to make this snap-to-prepare salad again and again.
Servings: 8 to 10
Author: Linda Shapiro, © Meal Planning Maven

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt optional

Salad

  • 2 cups cooked wild rice
  • 1 ripe red pear cored and cut into chunks
  • 1 Granny Smith apple cored and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup chopped unsweetened apricots
  • 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds or chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  • Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. (Alternatively, you may use a small food processor or hand-held blender.)
  • Salad: in a large serving bowl, toss together all salad ingredients with dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to "marry." Remove about 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make Ahead and Storage Tips: Salad may be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to serving.

 

11 Responses

  1. Kecia
    What a beautiful salad featuring wonderful autumn flavors! I am imagining this with a nice turkey tenderloin on the grill. Yum!<br /><br />Thank you so much! I love the idea of pairing this salad with grilled turkey tenderloin! ~Linda
  2. Dan from PlatterTalk
    We are always looking for new salad ideas and this one is perfect for the fall season; love this salad!!<br /><br />Thanks so much ! I hope you have the chance to try it sometime! ~Linda
  3. Patty Anderson
    What a nice combination of textures and flavors Linda.<br /><br />Thanks ever so much Patty! I'm always so excited when you stop by! ~Linda
  4. So many flavors I'd never image to put together. Looks great.
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thanks so much Aimee!
  5. mjskit
    Love all of the textures and flavors of this salad! You're right - perfect for the holidays.
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thank you so much! I hope you have the chance to try it this holiday season!
  6. This looks so crunchy & flavoful - wildrice dressing is my favorite! Thanks for sharing with us at #TryaBiteTuesday, I've tweeted & pinned to pass the word - please join us again this week with another yummy recipe!
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thanks ever so much Debra...this salad is one of my family's favorites and I hope you are able to try it this holiday season! Thanks too for hosting such a great party!
  7. I really like the sound of this healthy, wholesome salad - and it looks absolutely beautiful too, Linda! I'm looking forward to making this soon. Thank you for bringing this lovely recipe to the Hearth and Soul Hop. Hope to see you again this week :-)
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thank you April! We have been making this salad for ages...so easy and YUM! Thanks bunches for sharing and for hard work hosting the hearth and Soul Hop each week!