Fall Harvest Salad is a fresh and colorful salad celebrating fall flavors. This delightful dish combines roasted vegetables, greens, and seasonal fruits to create a nutritious and eye-catching meal. Perfect for Thanksgiving or as a side at dinner parties, this salad showcases the best ingredients autumn has to offer.

Why You’ll Love This Fall Harvest Salad

This fall-inspired salad recipe brings together vibrant flavors and textures that make it a seasonal favorite. Here are a few reasons to love this salad: it’s packed with nutrients, easy to prepare, and can be customized to fit various dietary needs. With its combination of roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, you’ll enjoy a hearty and satisfying dish. Plus, it’s a fantastic Thanksgiving harvest salad option that will impress your guests while being healthy!

Ingredients for Fall Harvest Salad

Gather these items:

4 cups mixed greens: Such as spinach, arugula, or kale.
1 cup butternut squash: Peeled and cubed.
1 cup Brussels sprouts: Trimmed and halved.
1 apple: Sliced (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji).
1/2 cup dried cranberries: For sweetness.
1/2 cup walnuts: Chopped and toasted (or pecans).
1/4 cup feta cheese: Crumbled (optional).
1 tablespoon olive oil: For roasting.
3 tablespoons olive oil: For a rich dressing base.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: For tanginess.
1 tablespoon maple syrup: For sweetness.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: For flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

How to Make Fall Harvest Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 5: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens.
Step 6: Once the vegetables are done roasting, let them cool slightly and then add them to the bowl with the greens.
Step 7: Add the sliced apple, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
Step 8: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and flavorful Fall Harvest Salad!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Fall Harvest Salad

Keep these in mind:

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences.
Can be made ahead; just add the dressing right before serving.
To enhance flavor, consider adding roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa for a healthy autumn salad with squash.
Use fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a burst of flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Fall Harvest Salad

This salad can be served as a standalone dish or paired with grilled chicken for a heartier meal. It makes an excellent easy fall salad for Thanksgiving or can be a centerpiece at dinner parties. Try serving it with a side of warm crusty bread for a comforting meal.

How to Store and Reheat Fall Harvest Salad

To keep your salad fresh, store the ingredients separately in airtight containers. Add the dressing just before serving for the best flavor. If you have leftovers, the roasted vegetables can be reheated in the oven or microwave, but the greens are best enjoyed fresh. This salad is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it all week long!

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Harvest Salad

What is a fall harvest salad?

A fall harvest salad is a seasonal dish that features ingredients synonymous with autumn, such as roasted vegetables, nuts, and fruits. It’s a wholesome and colorful way to celebrate the season.

Can I make Fall Harvest Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This allows the flavors to stay fresh and vibrant.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Fall Harvest Salad?

One common mistake is overcooking the vegetables. Keep an eye on them as they roast. Also, avoid adding the dressing too early, as it can make the greens wilt.

Variations of Fall Harvest Salad You Can Try

There are countless ways to make this salad your own. You can add roasted beets for extra color or swap out the nuts for seeds for a nut-free version. For a vegan fall harvest salad recipe, simply omit the feta cheese. Consider using kale or quinoa for added texture in a fall salad with kale and quinoa.

7 Reasons to Love This Fall Harvest Salad

Author: basmer
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and colorful salad celebrating fall flavors.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through.
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens.
Once the vegetables are done roasting, let them cool slightly and then add them to the bowl with the greens.
Add the sliced apple, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and flavorful Fall Harvest Salad!