The ULTIMATE fall salad! Loaded with sliced apples, dried cherries, candied pecans, and crumbled blue cheese, it’s everything you want in a salad… and even more delicious when you drizzle it with homemade apple cider vinaigrette!

They say there’s a salad for every season… and if that’s true, then this is definitely the salad for fall. To be fair… I could eat it all year round. But there’s something about enjoying it in fall that’s absolutely PERFECT.

It probably has something to do with those fresh orchard apples, which just hit differently in fall. And when you combine them with the richness of dried cherries, candied pecans, and blue cheese… it’s the ultimate bowl of coziness!

Because let’s be honest. Fall really does need its own salad. One that’s just a little heartier and more substantial than the summer salads we left behind. And… one that’s perfect for the upcoming holidays!

What we love about this salad

This really is the ultimate fall salad because it has all the best fall flavors! From the fresh apples to the candied pecans and dried cherries, it’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet with plenty of fall coziness layered in.

What’s in a fall salad?

Lettuce – Since this is a green salad, lettuce is the base of this recipe. I used a 50/50 blend of spring mix and spinach for flavor and variety. You could also substitute arugula, butter lettuce, or even romaine.

Apples – Any variety of apple will work well for this salad. I used Honeycrisp (my favorite!) but other good options would include Gala, Granny Smith, or Golden Delicious.

Blue cheese – Crumbled Blue Cheese offers a pop of savory flavor that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients. You can find it in the specialty cheese area at your local grocery store.

Candied pecans – Candied Pecans give this salad an extra level of sweetness and crunch. You can feel free to substitute plain (salted or unsalted) pecans if you’d prefer.

Dried cherries – Dried cherries add another flavor and texture to this salad. They can be found in the dried fruits aisle at your local grocery store (near the raisins).

Onion – I used red onion because it’s my favorite for salads, but sliced green will work as well.

Dressing – There are countless salad dressings that would work well with this salad. I chose to use homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette, but other good options include Balsamic Vinaigrette, Raspberry Vinaigrette, or Poppy Seed Dressing.

How to make the ultimate fall salad

Add the mixed greens to a large salad bowl.
Layer the other ingredients on top.
Drizzle with your dressing of choice.
Enjoy!

Recipe variations

Use any of your favorite types of lettuce
Add or substitute sliced pears
Use any type of apple (Granny Smith, Gala, or Golden Delicious would all work well)
Substitute feta or goat cheese for blue cheese
Substitute dried cranberries or raisins for dried cherries
Use salted roasted pecans in place of candied pecans
Substitute any of your favorite salad dressings

More fall salad recipes