5 Fresh and Flavorful Fall Salad Recipes for Every Table

Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy crisp air, cozy flavors, and fresh seasonal produce. These five fall salads bring out the best of autumn’s ingredients, balancing savory and sweet with just the right amount of crunch and color. Perfect for every occasion, these salads will add a burst of flavor to your seasonal table!

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1. Roasted Butternut Squash and Pecan Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, cubed
• 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Dressing: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp maple syrup, salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cubed squash in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted squash, pecans, cranberries, and feta.
4. Drizzle with the dressing and toss lightly to combine.

Pro Tip: For an extra crunch, add a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds or candied pecans!

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2. Apple and Walnut Harvest Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
• 1 cup mixed greens (preferably with baby spinach and romaine)
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• Dressing: 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp olive oil, salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a salad bowl, layer greens, apple slices, walnuts, pomegranate seeds, and blue cheese.
2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth, then drizzle over the salad and toss.

Pro Tip: Use fresh apples to keep the salad crisp and add a delightful tartness that complements the creamy blue cheese and sweet honey.

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3. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Fall Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
• Dressing: 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp maple syrup, salt & pepper, water to thin as needed

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potato cubes and chickpeas in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and chickpeas are slightly crisp.
3. In a large bowl, layer greens, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, cranberries, and cheese.
4. Drizzle with the tahini dressing and toss to combine.

Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin to the chickpeas before roasting for an extra layer of smoky flavor! This salad is hearty enough to serve as a light main course or a side dish.

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4. Pear, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 4 cups arugula
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
• Dressing: 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Layer arugula with pear slices, goat cheese, and pecans in a large salad bowl.
2. Drizzle with the lemon-honey dressing and toss gently to coat.

Pro Tip: Substitute blue cheese for goat cheese if you prefer a bolder flavor. This salad pairs wonderfully with a fall-inspired charcuterie board!

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5. Kale Salad with Roasted Beets and Quinoa

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kale, chopped and massaged
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 medium beets, roasted and cubed
• 1/4 cup goat cheese or feta, crumbled
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• Dressing: 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Roast beets at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until tender, then let cool and cube.
2. In a large bowl, toss kale with quinoa, beets, goat cheese, and pumpkin seeds.
3. Add the dressing and mix until everything is well-coated.

Pro Tip: Massage the kale with a bit of olive oil and salt before adding other ingredients to make it softer and easier to digest.

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Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, enjoying a family dinner, or looking for a nutritious lunch, these salads bring warm flavors and vibrant colors to any table. Enjoy the best of autumn’s harvest with these fresh and flavorful salads, guaranteed to delight all tastes!