Late Harvest Chopped Salad

Late harvest nods to autumn’s final sweet tomatoes, crisp apples, and grapes gathered in one bowl. This American chopped salad folds them with romaine, toasted pepitas, and a maple-Dijon vinaigrette for a bright, shareable lunch.

Serves 6 · 22 min prep

Estimate for one serving

• 355 cal
• 18g protein
• 24g carbs
• 22g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 2 romaine hearts
• 3 medium late-season tomatoes
• 1 crisp apple
• 1 cup seedless red grapes
• 2 cups chopped or 1 can cooked chicken breast or chickpeas
• 3/4 cup cubed or crumbled sharp cheddar or cotija
• 1/3 cup toasted pepitas
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. 1Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine. Chop it into bite-size pieces and place in your largest salad bowl so everything has room to mix.
2. 2Dice the tomatoes and the apple into similar small cubes. Halve the grapes. Add all three to the bowl for a sweet-tart late-harvest base.
3. 3If using chicken, make sure it is cold and chopped into small pieces; if using chickpeas, drain, rinse, and pat dry. Scatter the protein over the produce.
4. 4Add the cheese cubes or crumbles and the toasted pepitas so every scoop gets crunch and richness.
5. 5In a jar combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, maple or honey, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Shake vigorously until the dressing looks creamy and uniform.
6. 6Pour three-quarters of the dressing over the salad. Toss with two large spoons or clean hands, lifting from the bottom so every piece is lightly coated.
7. 7Taste a forkful and add more dressing, salt, or a splash of vinegar if you want brighter acidity. Fold in the chopped cilantro or parsley last.
8. 8Transfer to a wide serving bowl or individual lunch boxes. Keep extra dressing on the side for anyone who wants a second drizzle at the table.
9. 9Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or chill up to an hour for a backyard gathering—the chopped format travels and shares beautifully.