Martina McBride’s Autumn Chopped Salad Recipe

Autumn Chopped Salad with Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing

Author: Martina McBride Serves: 6

This Autumn Chopped Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that captures the essence of the fall season. Created by country music star Martina McBride, this recipe beautifully balances the tanginess of Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing with the sweetness of pears and dried cherries. A variety of ingredients, from crispy bacon to toasted pecans, come together to create a harmonious dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly flavorful.

History:

The Autumn Chopped Salad is a modern twist on traditional salads, combining seasonal ingredients with a unique dressing that offers a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the fruits and the crunch of the nuts. The addition of Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing adds a layer of sophistication to the dish, making it a favorite choice for gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 3 romaine hearts, chopped (about 8 cups)
• 2 small Red Bartlett pears, chopped
• 180g dried cherries, roughly chopped
• 75g pecans, chopped and toasted
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 120g crumbled feta cheese
• 30g fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing: Makes 240ml

• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 80g sugar
• 90ml balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 160ml extra-virgin olive oil

How to MakeAutumn Chopped Salad with Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing

1. In a large platter or bowl, combine the chopped romaine hearts, pears, dried cherries, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, feta cheese, and fresh parsley leaves.
2. Prepare the Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing: a. In a food processor, pulse the poppy seeds, sugar, balsamic vinegar, grated onion, chopped garlic, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper three times. b. With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil through the feed tube, blending until the mixture is well incorporated. c. Pour the dressing into a screw-top jar and store it in the refrigerator. Before using, give it a good shake to recombine.
3. Serve the Autumn Chopped Salad with Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing: Gently toss the chopped lettuce with the dressing. Add the remaining ingredients on top for an eye-catching presentation. This method ensures that each serving includes a perfect balance of flavors.

Expert Tips:

• For a twist, try using other types of pears, such as Anjou or Bosc, to add variety to the salad.
• Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by modifying the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences.

Storage and Leftovers:

Store any leftover Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Shake well before using. Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy the salad again.

FAQs for Autumn Chopped Salad with Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing :

Q: Can I make the Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing in advance? A: Absolutely! The dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember to shake it well before serving.

Q: Can I substitute the feta cheese with another type of cheese? A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or blue cheese to personalize the salad to your taste.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans? A: Certainly! Walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds can be used as a substitute for pecans.

Q: Is the Autumn Chopped Salad suitable for vegetarians? A: To make this salad vegetarian-friendly, omit the bacon and ensure that the cheese you use is free from animal rennet.

Q: Can I serve this salad as a main course? A: Absolutely! You can enhance the salad’s heartiness by adding grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or cooked quinoa.

Q: What inspired Martina McBride to create this recipe? A: Martina McBride’s love for seasonal ingredients and her passion for creating memorable dishes inspired her to craft this flavorful Autumn Chopped Salad as a centerpiece for gatherings and celebrations.

Q: Are there variations of the Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing? A: While this classic version of the dressing is featured here, some variations include adding a touch of honey for extra sweetness or incorporating Dijon mustard for a more robust flavor profile.

Q: Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making the Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing? A: While the homemade dressing truly complements the salad, you can opt for a store-bought balsamic vinaigrette if you’re short on time.

Recipe Credits:

This delightful Autumn Chopped Salad with Balsamic–Poppy Seed Dressing is featured in Martina McBride’s cookbook, “Around the Table: Recipes and Inspiration for Gatherings Throughout the Year.” Reproduction of this recipe requires permission from the publisher.

 

Alternative Names for this Recipe:

1. Fall Harvest Salad with Tangy Balsamic Dressing
2. Orchard Delight Chopped Salad
3. Martina’s Seasonal Chopped Salad
4. Harvest Bounty Bowl with Poppy Seed Elegance
5. Autumnal Fusion Salad
6. Pear and Cherry Bliss Salad
7. Festive Poppy Seed Harvest Salad
8. McBride’s Balsamic Fall Fusion
9. Harvest Jewel Salad with Poppy Seed Zing
10. Balsamic Elegance: Autumn Chopped Delight