Fall harvest salads are hearty, colorful, and packed with seasonal flavor. From roasted squash and grains to fresh fruits, nuts, and cheeses, these salads celebrate the best of autumn. Whether you’re meal-prepping, hosting Thanksgiving, or just craving a wholesome dinner, these 15 fall harvest salads are sure to delight. Best of all, you can make all of them using one adaptable salad approach, making preparation easier and faster.
One Adaptable Base Recipe for Fall Harvest Salads
Ingredients:
- 4 cups base greens (kale, spinach, arugula, mixed greens, or shaved Brussels sprouts)
- 1–2 cups roasted or cooked ingredients (vegetables, grains, protein)
- 1/2–1 cup toppings (nuts, seeds, cheese, dried fruits, or fresh fruits)
- Dressing of choice (vinaigrette, creamy pumpkin-based dressing, or maple dressing)
Base Directions:
- Roast or cook vegetables, grains, or proteins if needed.
- Combine greens in a large salad bowl or jar for layered presentation.
- Add roasted/cooked ingredients on top.
- Sprinkle with toppings such as nuts, seeds, or cheese.
- Drizzle dressing just before serving or layer for meal prep.
- Toss gently or leave layered for visual appeal.
Prep time: 15–20 min | Cook time: 20–30 min (for roasted ingredients) | Servings: 4–6
15 Fall Harvest Salad Variations
1. The Ultimate Apple Pecan Harvest Salad
- Combine mixed greens with sliced apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta.
- Dress with a maple vinaigrette.
2. Roasted Butternut Squash & Kale Salad
- Toss roasted butternut squash with kale, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries.
- Drizzle with a honey-mustard vinaigrette.
3. Shaved Brussels Sprout Harvest Salad
- Thinly slice Brussels sprouts and toss with roasted nuts, dried cranberries, and Parmesan.
- Use a lemon vinaigrette for a bright, fresh flavor.
4. Hearty Harvest Cobb Salad
- Mix greens with roasted chicken, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, bacon, and cherry tomatoes.
- Serve with a light balsamic vinaigrette.
5. Pear, Cranberry & Candied Nut Salad
- Combine fresh greens with sliced pears, dried cranberries, and candied pecans.
- Drizzle with citrus or maple vinaigrette.
6. Autumn Quinoa Harvest Salad
- Mix cooked quinoa with roasted seasonal vegetables, kale, and dried fruit.
- Garnish with toasted seeds and a maple or apple cider vinaigrette.
7. Warm Wild Rice & Mushroom Harvest Salad
- Combine cooked wild rice with sautéed mushrooms, roasted root vegetables, and fresh herbs.
- Dress with a light mustard vinaigrette.
8. Farro Harvest Salad with Sausage & Apple
- Toss cooked farro with cooked sausage, roasted apples, and arugula.
- Drizzle with a warm cider vinaigrette.
9. Warm Lentil & Roasted Root Vegetable Salad (Vegan)
- Mix cooked lentils with roasted carrots, parsnips, and beets.
- Add fresh herbs and a balsamic glaze for a hearty vegan option.
10. Fall Pasta Salad with Creamy Pumpkin Vinaigrette
- Toss cooked pasta with roasted squash, kale, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds.
- Coat with a creamy pumpkin-based vinaigrette.
11. Layered Harvest Salad in a Jar (Meal Prep)
- Layer greens, roasted vegetables, grains, fruits, and nuts in mason jars.
- Add dressing at the bottom or serve separately.
12. Roasted Grape & Burrata Harvest Salad
- Combine roasted grapes with mixed greens, arugula, and creamy burrata.
- Drizzle with a balsamic reduction or vinaigrette.
13. The “Thanksgiving” Harvest Salad
- Mix kale, roasted squash, cranberries, pecans, and feta.
- Perfect for a side dish during holiday meals.
14. Steak & Roasted Pear Harvest Salad
- Slice grilled steak and serve over greens with roasted pear slices and blue cheese.
- Dress with a red wine vinaigrette.
15. The Only 3 Fall Harvest Dressings You Need
- Maple Vinaigrette: Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard
- Citrus Vinaigrette: Olive oil, orange and lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper
- Pumpkin Creamy Dressing: Pureed pumpkin, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup
- These dressings can be paired with any of the salads above for added seasonal flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Fall Harvest Salad
- Balance flavors: Include sweet, savory, and tangy elements in every salad.
- Mix textures: Combine roasted vegetables, grains, nuts, and fresh greens for crunch and depth.
- Prep ahead: Roast vegetables and cook grains in advance for quick assembly.
- Dress just before serving: Keeps greens fresh and prevents sogginess.
- Use seasonal ingredients: Apples, pears, squash, cranberries, and nuts give salads an autumnal flair.
- Layer for visual appeal: Perfect for jars, trifle bowls, or presentation platters.
Using this one adaptable salad approach, you can make all 15 fall harvest salads with ease. From hearty grain-based salads to fresh, fruity, and cheesy options, these recipes are perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or holiday celebrations.
