Autumn Apple Salad with Pumpkin Spice Vinaigrette

In the first part of Fall, when fresh local greens are still available, and the Honey Crisp apples have come into season, I love using them both in light salads.  It is one of the most delicious combinations, and healthy of course!  I usually combine them with dried cranberries, toasted pecans and shallots in a simple vinaigrette, but today I am sharing a special vinaigrette in honor of Fall.  It contains pumpkin and a little spice!  I also use heart healthy avocado oil, apple cider vinegar and a little maple syrup for sweetness.  This salad all together is a delicious combination and perfect when served on the side of a hearty soup.

Author: Amy Lyons O’Neil

Amy has worked for Fresh and Natural Foods since 2006 contributing to the variety of healthful foods we offer. She graduated with a degree in studio art from Bethel University in 2007, but in her senior year of college, found that her passion was with the art of food. She later used her photography and culinary skills to create a vegan food and recipe blog, Fragrant Vanilla Cake. She has also written 3 cookbooks. She specializes in vegan and vegetarian recipes. Local, fresh and organic food has always been her focus in whatever she creates.

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Servings: 2-3 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 0 min | Ready in: 10 min

Ingredients

• Dressing:
• 2 Tbsp avocado oil
• 2 Tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp pumpkin puree (canned is fine)
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• sea salt to taste
• pinch cayenne
• Salad:
• 1 large head red leaf lettuce, washed and torn into bite sized pieces
• 1 large or two smaller honeycrisp apples, sliced thinly
• 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup toasted pecan pieces
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Combine the rest of the salad ingredients in a bowl, and toss with just enough of the dressing to lightly coat the leaves until well combined. Serve!