As the weather turns cooler, those looking for easy, healthy fall recipes will be craving hearty and substantial fall salads inspired by autumn harvests like roasted veggies and toasted nuts.
Whether you’re looking for fall green salad recipes, specifically for fall salads with apple, or fall menu ideas to serve on Thanksgiving, you’ve come to the right spot.
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Recommended products & ingredients
- Walnuts*, our favorite complementary crunch for salads during this time of year
- Dried cranberries*, an easy way to add a little sweet and tart
- Pumpkin seeds*, to add healthy, hearty texture to your salads
What goes in a fall-inspired salad?
Ingredients that are bountiful this season and that you’re likely to find in your recipes:
- Squashes: butternut, acorn, pumpkin
- Vegetables: brussels sprouts, beets, carrots, sweet potato
- Fruits: apples, pears, pomegranate, cranberries
- Cheeses: goat, feta, gorgonzola
- Nuts and seeds: pumpkin, sunflower, walnuts pecans, almonds
- Dressing flavors: maple, apple, pumpkin
- Base: spinach, arugula, quinoa, pasta
This is just a list to get you started, but you can include a wide array of other ingredients as well.
How do you make an autumn salad?
Step 1. Identify a base for your salad, whether it be spinach or arugula for a fall green salad recipe or another ingredient like lentil or wild rice.
Step 2. Include additional toppings from different food groups, such as fruits, veggies, cheeses, and nuts and seeds.
Step 3. Don’t forget the dressing! The recipes rounded up below contain some pretty creative vinaigrette flavors, like maple tahini to poppyseed to smoked pumpkin.
Since your salad will likely include warmer ingredients, such as roasted veggies or toasted nuts, please plan for more prep time so you have a chance to enjoy your meal!
Now let’s get on with the fall menu ideas for salads!
Fall green salad recipes
Kale
This autumn salad contains a whole medley of fall harvests, including butternut squash, brussel sprouts, apples, beets, cranberries and pomegranates.
Drizzled with creamy tahini-maple mixture, it’s absolutely stunning in both looks and taste! (via Running on Real Food)
Spinach
The star of the show here is the butternut squash.
Pomegranate adds a pop of color to this delightful salad, which is topped with a dressing that features red wine vinegar. (via Cooking Classy)
With pears
You can’t go wrong with a classic pairing like pears & gorgonzola.
This salad also adds a whole slew of other ingredients to change up the textures and flavors, including sunflower seeds. (via Lemon Tree Dwelling)
Roasted sweet potato
If you’re looking for something heartier, try this fall apple almond salad which is extra filling thanks to the wild rice and sweet potato.
If you elect not to put any cheese, it makes for an excellent vegan-friendly choice. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)
Roasted carrot
Anyone who says they don’t like carrots has probably never tried roasting them and tossing them with maple syrup.
This recipe does just that, and the results will convert even the most stubborn carrot naysayer. (via Tasting Table)
Acorn squash
Acorn squash is not as well-known as its cousin, butternut squash, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less tasty!
Try this salad, which features a creamy dressing made with yogurt and pumpkin. (via The Seasoned Mom)
Beet
This extra sophisticated version of beet salad has unexpected ingredients like avocado, mandarin oranges, and even pistachios for a little bit of crunch. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)
Salad in a jar
A perfect lunch to take on the go, this fall salad in a jar is also Weight Watchers-friendly, at only 7 Smart Points. (via A Zesty Bite)
Other easy, healthy fall recipes
Pasta salad
You can bring the flavors of fall to your pasta salad by adding some charred brussel sprouts and butternut squash like in this recipe.
The dish calls for a sprinkle of both cinnamon and nutmeg to really drive home the fall flavor. (via The Mediterranean Dish)
Butternut squash and quinoa
For those who prefer a salad that isn’t all about leafy greens, this super yummy quinoa salad is the perfect choice.
Just remember to use vegetable stock* to keep it vegetarian. (via One Sweet Mess)
Pumpkin lentil and goat cheese
This salad makes the max use out of your butternut squash by roasting the seeds too and throwing them in add some crunch, autumn-style.
You also get some added fiber with the inclusion of black lentils. (via Smitten Kitchen)
Fruit salad
We love the addition of persimmon and the hint of lime in this colorful recipe. So easy and healthy to make! (via The Natural Nurturer)
Salad dressing
Wanna try something super fancy? How about a salad that uses liquid smoke?
This recipe’s pumpkin vinaigrette is gluten free, vegan and paleo friendly. And it's another great way to feature this squash than our popular pumpkin bread recipes. (via Wholesomelicious)
Conclusion
Try any of these sophisticated fall salads this season. Not only will these easy, healthy fall recipes make you feel good, they’ll taste good as well.
Savor a wide range of autumn-inspired ingredients, from salads with apple to walnuts to maple dressing.
Or be adventurous with these fall menu ideas, from fall green salad recipes to other bases like quinoa and beets that are bound to hit the spot as the temperature turns cooler outside.
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