Let the fall season wrap you in its cozy charm with this Autumn’s Glory Apple Salad — a nutritious, crisp, and naturally sweet salad that celebrates the best of the harvest. It’s that perfect in-between recipe that bridges the end of summer’s freshness and the warmth of autumn flavors.

Each bite brings together crisp apples, the refreshing crunch of leafy greens, toasted pecans, and a drizzle of maple balsamic dressing bursting with cozy fall notes. Light yet satisfying, this salad is a beautiful way to enjoy everything you love about the season — all in one bowl.

Ingredients for Autumn’s Glory Apple Salad with Maple Dressing

• 3 cups (90 g) baby spinach leaves
• 3 cups (90 g) green leaf lettuce like Crispy Green Leaf
• 1 medium yellow peach, (150 g), thinly sliced
• 2 small or 1 large (316 g) sweet seasonal apple (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala or Golden Delicious), thinly sliced (Tip: Drizzle 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice over apple slices to prevent browning)
• 1/4 cup (10 g) flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 1 cup (150 g) mandarin orange segments or fresh mandarins (Soaked in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sweet orange juice (such as Cara Cara or Valencia Oranges) for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh blueberries
• 2 mini cucumbers (50 g each), thinly sliced
• 3 – 4 radishes, about 1/3 cup (8 g), thinly sliced
• 2 green onions (scallions), about 3 tablespoons (30 g) thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (30 g) toasted pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup (30 g) fried crunchy onions
• 1/4 cup (25 g) crispy beet balsamic topping
• 1 recipe Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette (about 1/2 cup / 120 ml) or any maple dressings

Recommended Equipment

Serving Plate: Choose a wide oval or rectangular serving plate to beautifully showcase this salad’s vibrant colors and layers of texture. It not only makes for an elegant presentation but also provides plenty of space for tossing and serving with ease.

Shop this recipe and kitchen essential here!

How to Make Autumn’s Glory Apple Salad with Maple Dressing

1. Prepare Ingredients: Wash and pat dry parsley, vegetables and fruits. Slice peaches, apples, cucumbers, radishes, and green onions. Drizzle lemon juice over apple slices to prevent browning.

2. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl or platter, layer spinach and green lettuce. Add parsley leaves for a fresh, herbal note.

➤ Chef’s Tip — Assemble on a wide oval or rectangular plate to showcase the salad’s bright autumn colors and textures. A shallow platter allows the ingredients — apples, greens, and toppings — to shine beautifully on the table.

3. Add the Fruits and Veggies: Arrange sliced peaches, apples, mandarin segments, blueberries, cucumbers, radishes, and green onions over the greens.
➤ Chef’s Tip — Seasonal Swap: When peaches are out of season, try sliced pears later in the season for a cozier fall version.

4. Add Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds, crunchy onions, and crispy beet salad toppings for texture and color. The combination of crispy fried onions and sweet-tangy balsamic beet toppings adds a delicious balance of garlic-saltiness and balsamic sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sweet maple balsamic vinaigrette.
➤ Chef’s Tip — Nuts Substitute: Swap pumpkin seeds with toasted pecans or walnuts for a richer, nutty crunch.

5. Dress and Toss: Drizzle the salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette just before serving. Gently toss if desire to coat everything evenly. Or serve dressing on a side.
➤ Chef’s Tip — Start with half the dressing, toss, then add more to taste — this keeps the greens crisp.

➤ Chef’s Tip — Prep your fruits, greens, and toppings in advance, but store the dressing separately in a small jar. Toss just before serving to keep the textures crisp and the flavors vibrant.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a light main dish for lunch, or pair it with: Grilled chicken or turkey for added protein. Roasted salmon or shrimp for a hearty dinner salad, or add a slice of whole-grain bread or focaccia to make it a complete meal.

Storage and Serving

Storage: Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 – 3 days.
➤ Dressing: Keep crunchy salad toppings and dressing separately for up to 5–7 days in a sealed jar; shake or whisk before using.

Serving: Once tossed, the salad is best enjoyed fresh within a few hours.

Why You’ll Love These Autumn Recipes

As the air turns crisp and leaves start to fall, these recipes capture the cozy sweetness of the season. Each dish celebrates maple, autumn fruits, and vibrant greens — bringing warmth and freshness to your table. From the rich, velvety Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe that complements any fall salad, to the bright Kale and Nectarine Salad with Citrus Dressing Recipe that bridges summer’s glow with autumn’s depth, and the hearty Autumn Kale Salad with Apples Recipe that’s packed with crunch and comfort — these are the perfect recipes for cozy dinners, healthy lunches, or festive gatherings to savor the golden flavors of fall.

Shop this recipe and kitchen essential here!