Harvest Bowl Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that captures the essence of fall, then you’re in for a treat with this Harvest Bowl Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. This salad has quickly become one of my favorites due to its vibrant colors, hearty ingredients, and that tangy vinaigrette that ties everything together beautifully. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy without spending hours in the kitchen or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal-in-a-bowl.

This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or just need an easy go-to dish for dinner, this Harvest Bowl Salad will surely impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this salad is perfect for those busy days.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors and textures, even the pickiest eaters will love it!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep your ingredients ahead of time and assemble when ready to eat.
• Nutrient-Dense: Full of wholesome ingredients, this salad is not only filling but also good for you.
• Deliciously Versatile: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Harvest Bowl Salad is half the fun! You’ll find that these simple and wholesome items come together to create a mouthwatering dish that celebrates fall flavors.

For the Salad

• 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 3-4 sprigs of thyme
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ⅛ teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• black pepper (to taste)
• 6 cups curly kale (stripped off the stems and cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ of a red onion (chopped)
• 1 large Pink Lady or Gala apple (cubed)
• ⅔ cup toasted pecans (chopped)
• ⅔ cup goat cheese (crumbled by hand)

For the Dressing

• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• Juice from ½ of a lemon
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup olive oil

Variations

The beauty of this Harvest Bowl Salad lies in its flexibility! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Swap the greens: If kale isn’t your favorite, try using spinach or arugula instead for a different flavor profile.
• Add protein: Toss in some roasted chickpeas or grilled chicken for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Mix up the nuts: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans if you prefer something different.
• Change the cheese: Feta or vegan cheese can be great substitutes if you’re looking for a different taste.

How to Make Harvest Bowl Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss your cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, thyme, cloves, sea salt, and black pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Kale

While your sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the kale. Wash it thoroughly and strip it off its stems before chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle with Kosher salt and massage it gently. This step helps soften the kale and makes it more enjoyable to eat.

Step 3: Mix in Other Ingredients

Once your sweet potatoes are roasted (about 20 minutes), let them cool slightly before adding them to your bowl of massaged kale. Toss in chopped red onion, cubed apple, toasted pecans, and crumbled goat cheese. Each component adds layers of flavor and crunch that make each bite exciting.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, mustard, honey, pepper, and olive oil. Whisk until well blended. This dressing is tangy yet slightly sweet — so delicious over our hearty salad!

Step 5: Combine It All Together

Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently until everything is coated evenly. This step ensures each ingredient is enhanced by that lovely apple cider vinaigrette while keeping everything fresh.

Now grab yourself a generous helping of this delightful Harvest Bowl Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Harvest Bowl Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Creating the perfect Harvest Bowl Salad is all about enhancing flavors and textures, so let’s make it even more delightful with these handy tips!

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. This ensures they roast beautifully, offering a delicious sweetness that complements the salad.
• Massage the kale: Gently massaging the curly kale with a bit of olive oil and salt can soften the leaves and make them more palatable. This step also helps to release their natural flavors, making your salad even tastier.
• Toast your nuts: Toasting pecans in a dry skillet or oven brings out their rich flavor and crunchy texture. This simple step adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy goat cheese.
• Make the vinaigrette in advance: Whipping up your apple cider vinaigrette ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to dress your salad.
• Customize your toppings: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand! Adding roasted Brussels sprouts or butternut squash can bring new dimensions to this already vibrant dish.

How to Serve Harvest Bowl Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

This Harvest Bowl Salad not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning when presented well! Here are some ideas for serving it up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional thyme can brighten up your salad visually and add an aromatic touch.
• Crumbled feta or dairy-free cheese: For those who want an alternative to goat cheese, crumbled feta or a plant-based cheese provides a tangy contrast that enhances every bite.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf cooked with vegetable broth can add protein and texture, making it an excellent complement to your salad.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and beets drizzled with olive oil creates a colorful side that pairs perfectly with the harvest theme.
• Chickpea Salad: A refreshing chickpea salad with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon offers a refreshing contrast while adding extra protein.
• Cornbread Muffins: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread muffins provide a comforting side that balances out the tanginess of the salad and vinaigrette.

Enjoy crafting this beautiful meal-in-a-bowl salad! It’s perfect for lunch or dinner gatherings during those crisp fall days.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Harvest Bowl Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the apple cider vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the greens from wilting.
• Consume within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the texture of the vegetables and greens will change once thawed.
• If you want to prepare elements ahead of time, consider freezing only the sweet potatoes after roasting them.

Reheating

• If you’d like to enjoy warm sweet potatoes, reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Avoid reheating the kale and other fresh ingredients; add them fresh right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe.

Can I make the Harvest Bowl Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette vegan?

Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, simply omit the goat cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative.

How long will the Harvest Bowl Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve!

What can I use instead of goat cheese in the Harvest Bowl Salad?

If you’re looking for alternatives to goat cheese, try using crumbled feta cheese or a dairy-free cheese option that suits your taste.

Can I use other types of apples in this salad?

Yes! While Pink Lady or Gala apples work beautifully, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for different flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Harvest Bowl Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette as much as I do! It’s a delightful mix of flavors that truly captures the essence of fall. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner at home, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family!