Skip to content

8 Easy Fall Salad Recipes You Need To Try

8 Easy Fall Salad Recipes You Need To Try

Image Source

8 Easy Fall Salad Recipes You Need To Try

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce in delicious salads. As the weather cools down, hearty greens, squash, apples, pears, and more come into season. Salads are a great way to highlight these ingredients and create satisfying plant-based meals. The crunch of apples, the sweetness of pears, and the creaminess of squash pair beautifully with sharp, tangy vinaigrettes and crunchy nuts. 

Read on for eight easy fall salad recipes to try this season.

1. Warm Farro and Roasted Vegetable Salad

Farro is a nutty, chewy ancient grain that works perfectly in fall salads. Pair it with roasted fall vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and butternut squash for a hearty grain bowl. 

Toss the roasted veggies with the farro, baby kale, toasted walnuts, and pomegranate seeds; the walnuts will add crunch while the pomegranate offers some pops of sweetness. Dress it with a pomegranate vinaigrette to complement the other ingredients. The mix of flavors and textures makes this salad super satisfying. 

2. Creamy Butternut Squash Salad

Butternut squash is the ultimate fall vegetable. Its sweet, nutty flavor and creamy, smooth texture when roasted make it perfect for salads. This salad brings together diced butternut squash with arugula, toasted walnut halves, and dried cranberries. 

The apple cider vinaigrette, with Dijon and shallots, drapes over these ingredients, making the salad pop with flavor. As the squash joins the mix, it’s complemented by a sprinkle of toasted walnuts and shaved Parmesan. This butternut squash salad recipe serves as a delicious vegetarian main, perfect for any meal.

3. Apple, Pear, and Spinach Salad

This simple salad allows the flavors of fall fruits and greens to shine. Fresh spinach, diced apple, and sliced pear are topped with toasted almonds and crumbled blue cheese. Toss everything in a light apple cider vinaigrette. The sweetness of the fruits contrasts nicely with the tangy cheese and nuts. 

You can make it a meal by adding cooked chicken breast or baked tofu. For a vegan option, use a plant-based cheese like cashew cheese in place of blue cheese. This salad is easy to throw together but feels special thanks to the seasonal ingredients.

4. Warm Lentil and Squash Salad

Beluga lentils, delicata squash, and fresh herbs come together in this satisfying fall salad. Roast cubed delicata squash until tender and toss with lentils, baby spinach, and parsley. The lentils have a rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet squash. 

A red wine vinaigrette brings all the flavors together, and topped with crunchy pepitas; this salad makes a hearty meatless lunch or dinner. The lentils and squash provide plenty of protein and nutrients. 

5. Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad

This salad combines two superfood greens—Brussels sprouts and kale. Thinly slice Brussels sprouts and massage kale with lemon juice to soften the leaves. Toss them together with toasted hazelnuts, dried cranberries, and shredded Parmesan cheese. 

The lemon and Parmesan add a tangy flavor that cuts through the bitterness of the greens, and a simple olive oil and lemon dressing allows the other ingredients to be the star. 

6. Quinoa Tabouli Salad 

Tabouli is a Middle Eastern salad traditionally made with bulgur wheat, herbs, tomatoes, and lemon. This version uses protein-packed quinoa instead of bulgur. Quinoa is tossed with parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions. 

A lemon vinaigrette brings all the bright flavors together, while the toasted almonds add extra crunch and protein. This refreshing salad works well on its own as a light lunch, or enjoy it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. The garden-fresh flavors are perfect for fall.

7. Curried Butternut Squash and Chickpea Salad

This unique fall salad combines roasted butternut squash and chickpeas with Indian spices. Toss cubed butternut squash and chickpeas with curry powder, garam masala, cumin, and red onion. The spices add warmth and complexity, while the chickpeas provide plant-based protein. 

Top the salad with fresh cilantro, toasted cashews, and a tangy yogurt dressing spiked with lime. 

8. Warm Wild Rice and Roasted Vegetable Salad

Wild rice is a whole grain native to North America that has an appealing chewy texture and nutty flavor. Pair it with fall vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts, roasted until caramelized and tender. Toss everything with baby kale, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. A maple balsamic vinaigrette ties the ingredients together. 

The mix of flavors and textures makes it perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or easy weeknight meals.

Conclusion

Fall salads highlight seasonal produce like squash, apples, pears, and hearty greens. From grain bowls to leafy salads, the options are endless. Take advantage of fall flavors by making salads with roasted veggies, seasonal fruits, nuts, cheese, and ancient grains. Vinaigrettes with apple cider, pomegranate, or maple complement the ingredients. Satisfying additions like chickpeas, lentils, or quinoa adds protein. 

These easy fall salad recipes will keep you looking forward to eating salad all season long.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *