Autumn Salads
Fall is about leaves changing and weather cooling. As fall comes around, you want to bring in all there is to love about the autumn season, including your food. Whether you are serving up a salad course before dinner or looking for a recipe for a potluck, an autumn-inspired salad can be a nice touch. Does this Spark an idea?
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Pears
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Pears are a traditional fruit of the autumn season. Since pears are plentiful during the fall, you can purchase them at reasonable cost. Create a sautéed pear salad with warm nuts and a cider-vinegar dressing. Use fresh pears paired with celery, white cheddar and a warm dressing for a crunchy pear salad. Pair green lettuce with warmed walnuts, fresh pairs and a maple vinaigrette dressing for a more traditional salad.
Apples
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Just like pears, apples are in abundance around the fall season. You can use apples fresh, canned, sautéed or baked in autumn salads. A salad does not have to contain lettuce to be considered a "salad." Pair sautéed apples with candied pecans and apple cider vinaigrette for a warm, tangy and sweet salad. Pair cheddar and fresh apples together with walnuts for a crisp and refreshing salad. Another idea is to try fresh spinach, pomegranates, diced fresh apples and walnuts together with pomegranate vinaigrette.
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Nuts and Beans
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With autumn comes the use of spiced nuts and legumes. Common nuts and legumes in the fall season are pecans, walnuts, pine nuts and lentils. Create a warm lentil salad with fresh spinach, pecans and sharp cheddar cheese. Use toasted walnuts, pecans and pine nuts to top off a salad for a crunch. Candied walnuts and pecans are suitable in both savory and sweet salad applications, and they work best when paired with fresh fruit or fruity vinaigrette.
Dressings and Vinaigrettes
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A salad is not a salad without a dressing or vinaigrette (an emulsion of oil and vinegar with herbs and spices). Fall viniagrettes and dressings should be warm and rich in flavor. Use maple syrup to create a maple-balsamic dressing that has bites of mustard and sweet syrup. With pomegranates in season, create pomegranate vinaigrette using mustard, balsamic vinegar and pomegranate juice. When in a hurry, create a quick vinaigrette using apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, extra-virgin olive oil and salt. Adjust portions according to taste and tartness.
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