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Temperature is relative. The 90s, my friends, feels cool and refreshing compared to the 100+s. We finally dropped into the 90s this weekend, and I’ll admit, I did a happy dance.
Still, temperature is relative. And the 90s are still hot. Which is why I’m celebrating fall with a chopped salad instead of soup.
First off, can I just say that I’ve been DYING for a Honeycrisp apple for ages! I’ve been waiting MONTHS for them to return to the market, and they’re FINALLY HERE!!!
Besides eating at least one a day, I’ve been popping them into everything these days–pairing them with peanut butter, sliding them into grilled cheese (divine!), and eating them in salads as often as possible.
Although it’s not exactly cozy, this salad tastes like fall. Honeycrisp apple, ripe pear, smokey bacon, sweet dried cranberries, salty cheese, crunchy cashews, and a creamy dressing to finish things off. If the weather actually feels fall-ish where you are, this would make a great lunch (pack dressing separately). If not, I recommend it for dinner with a side of warm cornbread.
Happy fall!
- 4-6c romaine lettuce
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 pear, diced
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled*
- ¼c dried cranberries
- 3-4 Tbsp cashews
- 3-4 Tbsp crumbled cotija, feta, or bleu cheese*
- 3-4 Tbsp creamy poppy seed dressing (I recommend Brianna’s brand if you’re not making your own)
- In your largest mixing bowl, toss together lettuce, apple, pear, bacon, cranberries, cashews and cheese. Add 3-4 Tbsp dressing and toss to coat, adding more dressing as necessary/desired.
Minimally adapted from Iowa Girl Eats
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Yum! That looks good! We got an iceberg lettuce in our CSA this week. Who knew that iceberg is in season in October in southern Wisconsin?
This is Dad’s kind of salad. He will love it!
This is amazing, Emily! At least you can celebrate fall with food, even if the temps aren’t quite there yet. Love this salad!
I made this the day you posted it. I had lots of lettuce to use up. It was wonderful! We had Honey Dijon around as well as a Raspberry Vinaigrette so we used those dressings. I made some easy sugared pecans to top it. Thanks for the great idea!
I made the chopped salad . I didn’t have all the ingred. (cashews or pears) but did have the rest. My daughter said she really enjoyed the CHOPPED lettuce effect. Easier to eat! So pretty! I have BAGS of extra apples from our tree this year. Wish you could have been the recipient of a bag or two.
Janet – I wish I could have been the recipient of one too! YUM!