Find 9 fresh, hearty salads perfect for autumn. This roundup gathers flavorful recipes from top food blogs—packed with seasonal produce like apples, squash, and greens. Each salad is easy to prep, ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday sides, or cozy weekend meals.
As the air turns crisp, salads get a seasonal makeover. This post brings you 9 fall salad recipe ideas collected from trusted food blogs. Each recipe celebrates rich autumn produce—think roasted squash, sweet apples, earthy greens, and warm spices. Whether you need a quick lunch, a festive side, or a hearty dinner bowl, these salads are simple, colorful, and full of comfort.
Contents
Why This Recipe?
Fall salads are loved for their balance of flavor and comfort. Roasted vegetables, crisp apples, and hearty grains make them satisfying yet light. They’re easy to assemble, often using pantry staples and leftover produce. The mix of vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats supports seasonal wellness, while warm spices and dressings keep every bite cozy. Whether served as a quick lunch, festive side, or main meal, these recipes adapt to different diets and occasions. From weeknight dinners to holiday tables, fall salad recipe ideas bring color, nutrition, and versatility to your plate with minimal effort.
Fall Salad Recipe Ideas
1. Roasted Butternut Squash & Pomegranate Salad
Flavor Summary: Sweet, spiced roasted squash meets bright pomegranate seeds, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing. A harmony of textures and fall flavors.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Cube and roast butternut squash with cinnamon, honey, olive oil.
- Toast pumpkin seeds or nuts.
- Whisk together pomegranate vinaigrette.
- Toss greens (or kale / shredded Brussels) with half the dressing.
- Add squash, pomegranate, nuts, cheese; drizzle remaining dressing.
Time: ~ 45 minutes
Tags: Vegetarian, Seasonal, Holiday-side friendly
Recipe Credit: Half Baked Harvest
💡 Tip: Roast the squash first, then toss with warm spices so they don’t burn.
👉 Check full recipe: Half Baked Harvest – Roasted Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad
2. Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples & Dates
Flavor Summary: Crisp shaved Brussels sprouts get mellowed by massaging, paired with sweet apple, chewy dates, crunchy hazelnuts, and a light vinaigrette. Bright, crunchy, and fresh.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Thinly slice or shave Brussels sprouts & optional kale; massage with part of dressing.
- Chop apple and dates.
- Roast or toast hazelnuts.
- Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, shallot, salt.
- Toss all ingredients and remaining dressing.
Time: ~ 20 minutes
Tags: Vegan, Gluten-free, Quick
Recipe Credit: Minimalist Baker
💡 Tip: Swap pears if you don’t have apples; dried cranberries if you don’t have dates.
👉 Check full recipe: Minimalist Baker – Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples & Dates
3. Warm Brussels Sprouts & Hazelnut Salad (with Bacon)
Flavor Summary: Slightly charred Brussels sprouts tossed warm with crispy bacon, toasted hazelnuts, a tangy lemon-maple dressing, and optional dried fruit. Comforting and savory.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Cook bacon until crisp, reserve fat.
- Toast hazelnuts.
- Sauté or lightly char Brussels sprouts in bacon fat.
- Whisk dressing: olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, mustard, garlic.
- Toss sprouts with bacon, nuts, dressing (add dried cranberries if you like).
Time: ~ 30–35 minutes
Tags: Warm salad, Autumn side, Savory
Recipe Credit: Ambitious Kitchen
💡 Tip: Use leftover bacon fat to add depth to the dressing.
👉 Check full recipe: Ambitious Kitchen – Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon
4. Wild Rice + Cranberry + Pecans Harvest Salad
Flavor Summary: Nutty wild rice meets tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, fresh herbs, and a citrusy vinaigrette. Hearty, wholesome, and festive.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Cook wild rice (or blend wild + brown rice).
- Toast pecans.
- Rehydrate dried cranberries.
- Chop fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, scallion).
- Toss rice, nuts, dried fruit, herbs with citrus-y dressing.
Time: ~ 35 minutes
Tags: Gluten-free, Grain-based, Make-ahead
Recipe Credit: Love & Lemons style
💡 Tip: Use leftover rice and toast nuts just before serving for crunch.
👉 Check a similar recipe: Love & Lemons – Wild Rice Salad ideas
5. Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad
Flavor Summary: Earthy roasted beets contrast with creamy goat cheese, toasted nuts, and peppery greens, all brightened by a mustardy vinaigrette.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Roast beets until tender.
- Peel and cube.
- Toast walnuts or pistachios.
- Whisk vinaigrette (mustard, olive oil, vinegar, honey).
- Toss greens + beet + nuts + goat cheese + dressing.
Time: ~ 40 minutes
Tags: Vegetarian, Elegant side, Colorful
Recipe Credit: Love & Lemons style
💡 Tip: Use mixed beets (gold, red) for more visual appeal.
👉 Example source: Love & Lemons – Beet Salad
6. Sweet Potato, Spinach & Feta Salad
Flavor Summary: Roasted sweet potato brings caramel sweetness and warmth, while fresh spinach offers a light base. Tangy feta, crunchy nuts, and a bright citrus or honey-lemon dressing balance the flavors. This salad is both cozy and fresh—perfect for fall.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Cube and roast sweet potatoes with oil, salt, and optional spices.
- Toast nuts (e.g. walnuts or almonds).
- Whisk together dressing (e.g. lemon or honey-lemon vinaigrette).
- Toss spinach (or greens) lightly with some dressing.
- Add sweet potatoes, feta, nuts, and drizzle the rest of the dressing; toss gently.
Time: ~ 30–40 minutes
Tags: Vegetarian, Make-ahead friendly, Seasonal
Recipe Credit: Love & Lemons
💡 Tip: Don’t add the dressing to the spinach until right before serving to avoid wilting.
👉 Check full recipe: Love & Lemons – Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
7. Pear, Blue Cheese & Walnut Salad
Flavor Summary: Crisp pear adds sweetness and a juicy bite. Blue cheese contributes creamy tang, walnuts bring nutty crunch, and mixed greens round it out. The dressing is usually simple (vinaigrette or honey-mustard). This is a classic fall combo that feels elegant yet simple.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Slice pears just before using to prevent browning.
- Toast walnuts lightly.
- Crumble blue cheese.
- Whisk basic vinaigrette (olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey).
- Toss greens, pears, walnuts, cheese, and drizzle dressing.
Time: ~ 15–20 minutes
Tags: Quick, Elegant side, Fall flavors
Recipe Credit: Love & Lemons style
💡 Tip: Use Bosc or Bartlett pears and drizzle with lemon juice before mixing to slow browning.
👉 Example version: Love & Lemons – Pear Salad
8. Persimmon, Arugula & Hazelnut Salad
Flavor Summary: Sweet, soft persimmon slices pair with peppery arugula. Toasted hazelnuts provide crunch, and optional cheese (goat or feta) adds creaminess. A citrusy dressing (orange, lemon) ties it all together. This salad is bright, seasonal, and visually stunning.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Slice persimmons (Fuyu variety recommended).
- Toast hazelnuts or nuts of choice.
- (Optional) Crumble goat cheese or feta.
- Whisk a citrus vinaigrette (e.g. orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt).
- Toss arugula, persimmon, nuts, cheese, and dressing gently.
Time: ~ 10–15 minutes
Tags: Vegan-optional, Light, Fall showcase
Recipe Credit: Pass Me Some Tasty
💡 Tip: Use firm but ripe persimmons so slices hold their shape.
👉 Check full recipe: Pass Me Some Tasty – Persimmon Arugula Salad
9. Shaved Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Salad
Flavor Summary: Thinly shaved Brussels sprouts soften slightly while retaining crunch. Crispy bacon bits introduce savory richness, and nuts or dried fruit add texture contrast. A tangy mustard- or citrus-based dressing lifts the salad. It’s hearty enough to be a side or main.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Shave Brussels sprouts finely.
- Cook bacon until crisp; reserve some fat.
- Toast nuts (optional).
- Whisk dressing (olive oil, mustard, vinegar, optional maple or honey).
- Toss sprouts, bacon, nuts, and dressing; let it rest to absorb flavors.
Time: ~ 25 minutes
Tags: Savory, Side or main, Fall comfort
Recipe Credit: Ambitious Kitchen
💡 Tip: Let salad sit 5–10 minutes off heat so dressing melds with ingredients.
👉 Check full recipe: Ambitious Kitchen – Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad
More Recipe Details
These fall salads are designed for busy cooks and holiday hosts alike.
- Flexible portions: Most can scale up for gatherings or down for quick lunches.
- Easy swaps: Switch greens (spinach, kale, arugula), nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds), or cheeses (feta, goat cheese) without losing flavor.
- Make-ahead tips: Roast vegetables and toast nuts a day in advance. Store dressings separately and toss just before serving to keep greens crisp.
- Balanced nutrition: Each salad offers fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, helping you stay energized during cooler months.
- Serving ideas: Pair with roasted meats, hearty soups, or warm bread for a complete fall meal.
History or Origin of the Dish
Salads built around seasonal produce have deep roots in many food cultures. In Europe and North America, autumn harvests of apples, squash, nuts, and hearty greens inspired rustic salads long before modern “fall salads” became a trend. Ingredients like roasted root vegetables and wild rice often reflect indigenous and regional traditions. Today, these recipes combine old-world harvest cooking with contemporary flavor pairings, turning humble produce into vibrant seasonal centerpieces.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls for tossing greens and dressing evenly
- Sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board
- Baking sheets for roasting vegetables
- Small skillet for toasting nuts or crisping bacon
- Whisk and measuring cups/spoons for quick dressings
- Salad spinner (optional) to keep greens dry and crisp
- Serving platters or wide salad bowls for easy presentation
FAQ
Q1. Can I make these salads ahead of time?
Yes. Roast vegetables and mix dressings up to a day in advance. Store everything separately and combine just before serving.
Q2. What greens pair best in fall salads?
Kale, spinach, arugula, and mixed baby greens are sturdy and hold dressings well.
Q3. How do I prevent apples or pears from browning?
Toss slices with lemon juice or a splash of vinegar right after cutting.
Q4. Can I turn these salads into a full meal?
Absolutely. Add protein such as grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or cooked lentils.
Q5. Which dressings complement fall flavors?
Maple-mustard vinaigrette, balsamic dressing, citrus vinaigrette, and honey-lemon blends work well with earthy vegetables and fruits.
Q6. How can I make these gluten-free or nut-free?
Most are naturally gluten-free. Swap nuts for roasted seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) for nut-free versions.
Q7. Can I serve warm salads at room temperature?
Yes. Many taste even better slightly cooled, as flavors meld while standing.
Q8. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep greens and dressing separate. Refrigerate for up to two days. Add dressing only when ready to eat.
Conclusion
These fall salad recipe ideas prove that salads can be hearty, colorful, and full of comfort. From roasted root vegetables to crisp pears and tangy cheeses, every dish celebrates the harvest season. Try one for a weekday lunch or bring a big bowl to your next gathering. Whichever you choose, these recipes will keep your table fresh and flavorful all autumn long.
Pin 1
Title: 9 Cozy Fall Salad Recipe Ideas for Every Table
Description: Fall salad recipe ideas, healthy autumn salads, and hearty harvest bowls in one roundup. Enjoy roasted squash, apples, grains, and greens that fit weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. Save these easy seasonal salads for your next cozy meal.
Alt Text: Bowl of roasted squash and apple salad with nuts on a rustic wooden table.
Tags: fall salad recipe ideas, autumn salads, harvest salad recipes, healthy fall meals, Thanksgiving salad
Pin 2
Title: Fresh & Hearty Autumn Salads to Make Tonight
Description: Healthy fall salad recipe ideas filled with apples, nuts, and roasted veggies. These autumn salads work as main meals or festive sides. Quick prep and vibrant flavors—perfect for family dinners or entertaining. Save these hearty salads for your fall menu.
Alt Text: Overhead view of kale salad with roasted sweet potatoes and feta in a white bowl.
Tags: autumn salads, healthy fall salad recipes, roasted vegetable salad, easy dinner salads, fall dinner ideas
Pin 3
Title: Butternut Squash & Apple Salads You’ll Crave
Description: Love fall salad recipe ideas? Try these butternut squash and apple combinations with nuts, grains, and cozy dressings. Ideal for make-ahead lunches, Thanksgiving sides, or weeknight comfort food. Save for your next seasonal salad craving.
Alt Text: Close-up of roasted butternut squash salad with pomegranate and greens.
Tags: butternut squash salad, apple walnut salad, fall harvest salad, make-ahead salads, cozy fall meals
Pin 4
Title: 9 Healthy Fall Salad Recipes with Holiday Flair
Description: These fall salad recipe ideas feature roasted vegetables, apples, cranberries, and hearty greens. Perfect as Thanksgiving salads, Christmas sides, or simple weekday meals. Save these colorful and nutrient-packed recipes to brighten any cold-weather table.
Alt Text: Festive salad with cranberries, pecans, and wild rice in a ceramic serving dish.
Tags: healthy fall salads, Thanksgiving salad recipes, wild rice salad, cranberry pecan salad, holiday menu ideas
Pin 5
Title: Easy Harvest Salads Packed with Fall Flavor
Description: From sweet potato spinach salad to pear and blue cheese, these fall salad recipe ideas bring cozy, nutrient-rich flavor to dinner. Great for meal prep, potlucks, or autumn entertaining. Pin these harvest salads and enjoy all season long.
Alt Text: Large serving platter of spinach salad with roasted sweet potatoes, walnuts, and feta.
Tags: harvest salad, sweet potato salad, pear blue cheese salad, seasonal dinner ideas, fall meal prep