40 Best Fall Salad Recipes for Autumn Harvest Season

Fall salad recipes are the ultimate way to celebrate the season’s best produce, with everything from sweet potatoes to honeycrisp apples, butternut squash to brussels sprouts, and crunchy toppings like pumpkin seeds and nutty pecans. 

Whether you’re looking for a showstopping autumn harvest salad for your holiday table or a quick, easy fall salad to brighten up a weeknight meal, there are endless delicious ways to bring the flavors of fall to your dinner table.

Jump to:

• Fall is the best time for salad
• 1. Fall Peach Salad with Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette
• 2. Warm Spinach Salad with Spiced Apples and Pecans
• 3. Goat Cheese Salad with Apples & Cherry Tomatoes
• 4. Crunchy Red Cabbage & Lentil Salad
• 5. Healthy French Potato Salad (Vegan)
• 6. Butternut Squash Salad
• 7. Carrot Raisin Salad
• 8. Farro and Arugula Salad With Sweet Potato and Pomegranate
• 9. Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
• 10. Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad (with feta)
• 11. Fennel Salad
• 12. 15 Minute Shredded Beet Carrot Salad
• 13. Wheat Berry Salad
• 14. Sweet Maple Apple Pecan Salad
• 15. Simple Salad with Goat Cheese and Cranberries
• 16. Moroccan Roasted Vegetable Salad
• 17. Simple Kale Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing
• 18. Spinach Salad with Apples, Feta Cheese, and Pecans
• 19. Wild Rice Salad
• 20. Butternut Squash Cranberry Salad
• 21. Delicata Squash Salad
• 22. Colorful Veggie Salad with Broccoli & Cauliflower
• 23. Kale Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables
• 24. Sweet Potato and Spinach Salad
• 25. Winter Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Toasted Pepitas
• 26. Apple Cabbage Salad with Walnuts and Gorgonzola
• 27. Autumn Honeycrisp Apple Candied Pecan Salad
• 28. Kale Apple Salad
• 29. Pomegranate Salad
• 30. Lentil and Pomegranate Salad
• 31. Butternut and Beetroot Salad
• 32. Autumn Pasta Salad
• 33. Arugula Fig Salad
• 34. Winter Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
• 35. Golden Beet Salad
• 36. Simple Delicious Greek Salad 
• 37. Simple Apple Salad Recipe
• 38. Fall Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash
• 39. Roquefort Salad with Pear, Apple and Walnuts
• 40. Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese
• Tips on making your fall salad
• Top Tip
• Dressing ingredients for maximum flavor
• Top Tip
• Toppings
• Top Tip
• The art of the fall harvest salad
• Top Tip
• Fall salads for the holiday table (or any night!)
• Salad kitchen tips and tricks
• Why fall salads deserve a spot on your table
• Get your FREE cookbook!
• Tried this recipe? We’d love your review!

Fall is the best time for salad

Forget what you know about summer salads—fall salads are all about bold, seasonal flavor and satisfying, hearty ingredients. 

With the best produce of the year hitting its peak, your favorite salad can be anything from a simple recipe of fresh greens tossed in red wine vinaigrette to an autumn salad piled high with bite-sized pieces of roasted delicata squash, juicy pomegranate seeds, and tangy goat cheese.

Salad season doesn’t have to end with summer. In fact, autumn is one of the best times of year to get creative with a big, beautiful green salad or a fall kale salad that’s hearty enough to serve as a main course or a festive side dish.

1. Fall Peach Salad with Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Savor the flavors of fall with this vibrant peach salad, featuring sweet peaches, hearty roasted potatoes, spiced pecans, and a rich maple-balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a colorful, satisfying salad that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes for a truly memorable seasonal dish.

2. Warm Spinach Salad with Spiced Apples and Pecans

This warm spinach salad is easy to digest and packed with flavor, featuring sautéed apples, toasted pecans, and a hint of spice for balance. Perfect for fall or winter, it’s a nourishing superfood dish that feels comforting and satisfying.

3. Goat Cheese Salad with Apples & Cherry Tomatoes

Experience the perfect balance of flavors in this fresh salad, featuring creamy goat cheese, seared apples, and burst cherry tomatoes over crisp greens. Each bite combines sweet, savory, and tangy notes for a salad that’s anything but ordinary.

4. Crunchy Red Cabbage & Lentil Salad

This vibrant salad combines protein-rich lentils with crunchy red cabbage, kohlrabi, and carrots, all tossed in a tangy-sweet balsamic maple dressing. It’s a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for a light meal or a satisfying side.

5. Healthy French Potato Salad (Vegan)

Enjoy this vibrant French potato salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette with fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and no mayo. It’s vegan, heart-healthy, and perfect for gatherings, snacks, or fall.

6. Butternut Squash Salad

This cozy butternut squash salad features roasted squash, quinoa, apples, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds over greens, all tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a beautiful, hearty dish that’s perfect for fall gatherings or a nutritious weeknight meal.

7. Carrot Raisin Salad

This colorful carrot raisin salad features crisp apples, chewy raisins, and toasted pecans tossed in a creamy yogurt dressing. It’s a refreshing, easy side dish perfect for picnics, summer BBQs, or any time you crave a sweet and crunchy salad. 

8. Farro and Arugula Salad With Sweet Potato and Pomegranate

This hearty farro and arugula salad features roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy walnuts, chickpeas, and juicy pomegranate arils, all tossed in a tangy pomegranate vinaigrette. Packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, it’s a filling and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired meal or side.

9. Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad

This vibrant salad combines crisp shredded Brussels sprouts and butter lettuce with sweet apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a fresh lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s a light, flavorful dish perfect for fall dinners, holiday tables, or a refreshing lunch.

10. Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad (with feta)

This vibrant salad features oven-roasted beetroot and pumpkin tossed with fresh spinach, arugula, walnuts, pepitas, and crumbled feta, all drizzled with a tangy maple-balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a colorful, festive dish perfect for fall and winter holidays or any special occasion.

11. Fennel Salad

This crisp and refreshing fennel salad combines thinly sliced fennel, honeycrisp apples, manchego cheese, and fresh basil tossed with lemon and olive oil. Light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, it’s the perfect side for any meal or holiday table.

12. 15 Minute Shredded Beet Carrot Salad

This vibrant, crunchy salad brings together raw beets, carrots, walnuts, and fresh parsley, all tossed in a tangy-sweet white wine vinaigrette. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a nourishing vegan dish perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or a refreshing side.

13. Wheat Berry Salad

This hearty salad features chewy wheat berries tossed with crisp apples, juicy orange segments, dried cranberries, baby kale, and toasted pecans in a sweet-tangy honey vinaigrette. It’s a colorful, nutritious dish perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a wholesome lunch.

14. Sweet Maple Apple Pecan Salad

This fresh, flavorful salad features crisp apples, toasted pecans, creamy goat cheese, and mixed greens tossed in a sweet maple vinaigrette. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any season and can be customized with your favorite fruits or nuts.

15. Simple Salad with Goat Cheese and Cranberries

This easy salad combines creamy goat cheese, tart dried cranberries, crunchy candied pecans, and crisp red onion over fresh greens, all tossed in a tangy balsamic maple dressing. It’s the perfect sweet-and-savory side for dinner, holidays, or a light meal.

16. Moroccan Roasted Vegetable Salad

This hearty, flavor-packed salad features spiced roasted vegetables, lentils, pistachios, golden raisins, and creamy goat cheese, all finished with a tangy harissa-lemon dressing. It’s a colorful, satisfying dish perfect as a vegetarian main or a standout side for any occasion.

17. Simple Kale Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing

This vibrant fall-inspired salad features massaged kale, roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, feta, and chickpeas, all tossed in a creamy, sweet-tangy maple tahini dressing. It’s nutrient-dense, hearty, and perfect for meal prep or your holiday table.

18. Spinach Salad with Apples, Feta Cheese, and Pecans

This fresh and colorful salad features crisp apples, tangy feta, crunchy pecans, and sweet dried cranberries tossed with tender baby spinach. A simple vinaigrette ties it all together, making it a perfect fall or holiday side dish that’s easy, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.

19. Wild Rice Salad

This hearty wild rice salad is packed with toasted pecans, dried cranberries, green onions, and fresh parsley. Tossed in a light soy and rice vinegar dressing, it’s a chewy, crunchy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect served cold or at room temperature for potlucks, lunches, or a simple fall side.

20. Butternut Squash Cranberry Salad

This warm fall salad features roasted butternut squash, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh mixed greens, all tossed in a bright orange cinnamon maple dressing. It’s easy, naturally gluten-free, vegan, and low calorie—perfect for a healthy holiday side or cozy lunch. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor!

21. Delicata Squash Salad

This hearty vegan fall salad features tender roasted delicata squash and sweet potatoes, crisp apple slices, and fresh kale, all tossed with a creamy tahini dressing. It’s a colorful, nutrient-rich dish perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.

22. Colorful Veggie Salad with Broccoli & Cauliflower

This vibrant and nutritious salad combines lightly cooked broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell pepper, and onion, topped with salty white cheese like feta. It's quick to prepare, fiber-rich, and perfect as a side or light meal.

23. Kale Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables

This hearty salad combines nutty green lentils and tender kale with caramelized roasted carrots, red onion, and juicy cherry tomatoes. A bright honey lemon dressing ties it all together, finished with creamy feta and fresh cilantro for a satisfying, nutrient-rich meal.

24. Sweet Potato and Spinach Salad

This vibrant autumn salad features roasted sweet potatoes, creamy cannellini beans, dried cranberries, and quick-candied pecans on a bed of fresh spinach. Tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette, it’s a nutritious, colorful dish that works as a light meal or side. Vegan, gluten-free, and adaptable with an oil-free option.

25. Winter Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Toasted Pepitas

This winter salad features warm roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy toasted pepitas, creamy goat cheese, and tart dried cranberries. It’s tossed in a flavorful rosemary vinaigrette, making it a cozy and satisfying dish perfect for cold months.

26. Apple Cabbage Salad with Walnuts and Gorgonzola

This salad combines crisp Napa cabbage, sweet and tart apples, creamy Gorgonzola cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a bright apple cider vinaigrette. It’s a fresh, flavorful, and elegant addition perfect for holiday meals and festive gatherings.

27. Autumn Honeycrisp Apple Candied Pecan Salad

This seasonal salad combines crisp Honeycrisp apples, Anjou pears, candied pecans, and creamy goat or feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy homemade maple dressing. It’s a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for fall, Thanksgiving, and winter gatherings.

28. Kale Apple Salad

This healthy vegan kale apple salad is quick, easy, and delicious, making a great side dish or main meal when paired with protein. The massaged kale softens the bitterness, while crisp apples and crunchy seeds add fresh texture and flavor.

29. Pomegranate Salad

This vibrant salad packs a variety of fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins into a small bowl, making it both nutritious and satisfying. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, low-carb meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and keto-friendly.

30. Lentil and Pomegranate Salad

This lentil and pomegranate salad is a nutritious, flavorful dish combining tender puy lentils, sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, pickled beetroot, and creamy goat cheese with a simple dressing of olive oil, pomegranate molasses, and lemon juice. It's easy to make with store-bought ingredients and perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner that's packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

31. Butternut and Beetroot Salad

This festive salad combines roasted butternut squash and beets with creamy goat cheese, crunchy candied pecans, fresh greens, and red onion for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for fall and winter gatherings, it pairs beautifully with hearty mains and fresh baked goods.

32. Autumn Pasta Salad

This hearty vegan salad combines roasted butternut squash, crisp green apples, baby kale, pecans, and vegan feta for a delicious blend of fall flavors and textures. Tossed in a choice of vinaigrettes, it’s perfect as a main or side dish for cozy dinners and festive gatherings.

33. Arugula Fig Salad

This fresh salad combines peppery arugula, sweet ripe figs, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a bright lemon-honey dressing. It’s a quick, nutrient-rich dish perfect as a light lunch, elegant starter, or refreshing side for any season.

34. Winter Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This vibrant winter salad combines fresh arugula, sweet pomegranate arils, crunchy walnuts, dried cranberries, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a quick and festive dish perfect for holiday dinners or any healthy meal needing a pop of color and seasonal flavor.

35. Golden Beet Salad

This vibrant Golden Beet Salad features roasted golden beets marinated in a bright orange and white balsamic dressing, tossed with sweet golden raisins, toasted walnuts, creamy goat cheese, and fresh tarragon. It’s a colorful, nutrient-packed side dish perfect for special occasions or a flavorful everyday meal.

36. Simple Delicious Greek Salad 

This simple Greek salad combines fresh vegetables, crunchy nuts, tangy feta, and kalamata olives for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that comes together in just 5 minutes. It’s perfect for hot days, packed with vitamins and fiber, and easily made vegan by skipping the cheese and adding extra nuts or avocado.

37. Simple Apple Salad Recipe

This easy apple salad features crisp apple matchsticks tossed with cheese sticks, spring onions, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice for a fresh, sweet-savory crunch. It’s a quick, kid-friendly dish perfect for any season or holiday gathering.

38. Fall Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash

This fall pasta salad combines roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts tossed with pasta in a tangy-sweet homemade cranberry vinaigrette. It's a delicious, hearty dish perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or everyday fall meals.

39. Roquefort Salad with Pear, Apple and Walnuts

An autumnal salad combining creamy Roquefort cheese with crisp pear, tart apple, toasted walnuts, and tender lamb's lettuce or arugula, all lightly dressed with a delicate cider vinaigrette. This elegant French-inspired salad balances strong, salty blue cheese with fresh, sweet fruits and nutty flavors, making it perfect as a starter or light lunch.

40. Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese

This vibrant salad combines sweet, earthy roasted beets with peppery arugula and creamy goat cheese, all enhanced by a simple homemade maple balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a flavorful, nutritious dish perfect for a light lunch or impressive dinner party starter.

Tips on making your fall salad

Start with the best produce the fall season has to offer:

1. Sweet potatoes and butternut squash: Roast in a single layer until golden and caramelized for natural sweetness and a nutty flavor.
2. Honeycrisp apples: Crisp, juicy, and just tart enough—these apples add a refreshing crunch and pair beautifully with peppery arugula, baby kale, or curly kale.
3. Brussels sprouts: Shave them thin or roast until crispy for a great addition to any green salad or fall harvest salad.
4. Golden beets: Their color is stunning, and their earthy sweetness is perfect for autumn harvest salad bowls.
5. Pomegranate arils: These juicy pomegranate seeds pop with flavor and look gorgeous sprinkled over your finished salad.
6. Wild rice: For a heartier salad, cooked wild rice adds texture and makes your fall salad a satisfying meal.

Fresh greens are the base of any great salad. Arugula, baby kale, lacinato kale, and other salad greens all have unique flavors—peppery, mild, or robust—that set the tone for your best fall salad recipes. 

Dressing ingredients for maximum flavor

Homemade salad dressing is the ultimate way to bring out the flavors of your fall salad. Try these classic combinations:

1. Blood orange citrus vinaigrette: Blood oranges have striking red-maroon flesh and a sweet floral taste like raspberries. Wouldn’t you love to taste such a striking citrus medley in a dressing?
2. Red wine vinaigrette: Red wine vinaigrette is about the most versatile dressing you can make.
3. Caesar dressing (no mayo): Making a Caesar dressing with no mayo is a little trickier, but this particular dressing comes together like a breeze, and still yields a thick, creamy texture.
4. Balsamic vinaigrette: Deep, rich balsamic vinegar brings out the earthy notes in roasted veggies and sweet cranberries.
5. Lemon juice: Adds brightness and zing—just right for a simple salad or to balance tangy feta cheese and blue cheese crumbles.
6. Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is your best friend for almost every kind of salad dressing—smooth, rich, and healthy.

Toppings

No fall salad is complete without crunchy toppings. 

Pumpkin seeds, nutty pecans, golden raisins, and even wild rice or sweet cranberries bring texture and excitement to every bite. 

For a creamy finish, add tangy goat cheese, creamy avocado, or blue cheese crumbles (or tangy feta cheese if you prefer).

The art of the fall harvest salad

A great way to showcase the natural sweetness of autumn’s best produce is with an autumn harvest salad. 

Roasted root vegetables, juicy apples, fresh greens, and a punchy apple cider vinaigrette come together in a large bowl for a salad that’s as colorful as the season itself. 

Add pomegranate arils, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and a little creamy goat cheese or avocado for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Fall salads for the holiday table (or any night!)

Fall salads are a great way to enjoy autumn ingredients and make a perfect side for Thanksgiving or any holiday.

It can balance out heavier main courses and creamy soups, adding a fresh, colorful note to every meal.

But don’t save your best fall salad recipes just for special occasions. 

With a little planning, you can prep ahead and have a salad ready for weeknight dinners or quick lunches.

Salad kitchen tips and tricks

1. Salad spinner: The secret to fresh, crisp greens (and rave reviews every time).
2. Large bowl: Toss your salad gently for even distribution of dressing and toppings.
3. Mason jar dressings: Shake up your homemade salad dressing and keep it on hand for easy meals.
4. Roast ahead: Roasting ahead of time saves you effort later and brings out rich, caramelized flavor.
5. Go for color: Combine veggies for a colorful salad that looks as good as it tastes.

Why fall salads deserve a spot on your table

The best fall salads use seasonal produce, bold flavors, and cozy textures.

Whether kale, harvest, or autumn salads, there’s a recipe for everyone.

Fall salads are tasty meals and great for any table. Got a favorite or tip? Share in the comments!

Here’s to a season full of fresh greens, colorful toppings, and good measure of delicious memories.

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