As the seasons transition from warm to cool, our taste buds shift from craving refreshing treats like cold drinks and ice cream to seeking out hearty, comforting soups and salads that embody the flavors of autumn. Salads, in particular, offer a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best of what’s in season.
Whether you prefer simple combinations or bold, layered creations featuring everything from nuts and cheese to seasonal fruits and more, there’s an endless array of possibilities when it comes to crafting autumnal salads. If you’re looking for inspiration to spice up your fall salad game, I’ve curated a list of 18 mouthwatering recipes that highlight the rich flavors, textures, and colors of the season, perfect for satisfying plant-based meals or side dishes.
Apple & Goat Cheese Salad
Combining crunchy apple slices with creamy goat cheese creates a delightful harmony in this effortless fall salad. The peppery arugula adds a refreshing contrast, while the sweet yet tangy apple cider vinaigrette brings everything together in perfect balance. As you take your first bite, the goat cheese subtly melts from the warmth of the apples and greens, elevating the flavors and textures to new heights. Feel free to add an extra touch with slivered apples or toasted walnuts for added crunch.
This recipe is a fantastic way to savor sweet honeycrisp or gala apples at their peak seasonal freshness.
Brussels Sprout Salad
Experience the delightful fusion of flavors and textures in this innovative Brussels sprout salad, a refreshing departure from traditional fall slaws. The tender crunch of thinly sliced Brussels sprouts is perfectly balanced by the nutty undertones of toasted pecans or hazelnuts, while the sweet-tart burst of dried cherries adds a delightful dimension. As the Dijon vinaigrette subtly tenderizes the sprouts, the resulting flavor profile is nothing short of fabulous.
For added depth and visual appeal, consider incorporating shredded carrots or kale into the mix. This salad’s impressive shelf life makes it an ideal choice for meal prep, ensuring you can enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week.
Fennel Salad with Parmesan
This delectable fennel salad strikes the ideal harmony between flavors and textures. The raw fennel’s crunchy, licorice-infused snap is expertly offset by the softness of its thin shavings. A delightful contrast emerges when paired with sweet onion slices, tangy lemon zest, and rich Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of fronds adds a pop of color and visual appeal, while the citrus dressing thoughtfully complements the anise notes in the fennel.
To add an extra layer of interest, incorporate toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds for a satisfying crunch. The result is a light, revitalizing salad that’s perfect for the fall season.
Butternut Squash Salad
The star of this autumnal salad is roasted butternut squash, boasting a sweet, nutty flavor and a tender, silky texture that harmonizes beautifully with the crunch of apples and the tart chewiness of dried cranberries. The citrusy shallot dressing brings a tangy depth to the dish, while fresh pomegranate seeds add a vibrant pop of color. For added texture and flavor, consider topping it off with toasted pecans.
Whether served as a side or an entree salad paired with cooked grains or greens, this delightful combination is sure to please.
Perfect Pomegranate Salad
Let the vibrant flavors and hues of fall come alive in this delightful salad! The harmonious union of sweet-tart pomegranate seeds and crunchy apple slices is elevated by the rich nuttiness of toasted pecans and the tangy depth of blue cheese. The dressing possibilities are vast, but a straightforward apple cider vinaigrette or pomegranate vinaigrette perfectly complements this autumnal medley.
While it’s simple in composition, this salad is bursting with flavor and color, making it an excellent accompaniment to any meal, whether served as a side, tucked into sandwiches, or topped with cooked grains or greens.
Massaged Kale Pomegranate Salad
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of this vibrant massaged kale salad, where the superfood powers of kale take center stage. By gently massaging the kale leaves, we transform them into silky, tender morsels that harmonize beautifully with sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, crisp apples, and a light apple cider vinaigrette. This effortless weeknight or holiday side dish is elevated by the subtle crunch of pecans and the symphony of autumnal colors it presents.
The flavors are a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and satisfying, making this salad not only healthy but also a true celebration of the season’s bounty.
Cabbage Salad with Apples & Walnuts
In this exceptional salad, shredded Savoy cabbage is harmoniously paired with crisp apples and crunchy walnuts, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. The sweetness from the apples is beautifully balanced by the tanginess from the green apples, while the toasted walnuts provide a delightful crunch. As you take a bite, the soft ruffles of the Savoy cabbage catch the dressing, allowing it to be absorbed slowly, adding depth to each mouthful.
The subtle crunch of the cabbage remains even after being dressed, making this salad a true delight for the senses.
Pear Salad with Pecans
In this seasonally-inspired fall salad, succulent pears take center stage alongside crumbly gorgonzola cheese, bursting pomegranate seeds, and shallots that add a subtle oniony depth. The dish is elevated by the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, which provide a delightful contrast to the soft textures. A tangy poppyseed dressing brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
This salad can be enjoyed on its own as a delicious autumn side or paired with cooked grains or greens for a more substantial entree. With so many exciting flavors and textures at play, it’s no wonder this salad is a true showstopper!
Arugula Beet Salad
This baby arugula salad is elevated by its harmonious combination of earthy roasted beets, tangy lemon-Dijon dressing, and crunchy toasted walnuts. The sweetness of the beets is expertly balanced by the tartness of the dressing, while thinly sliced shallots add a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the dish. As the beets tenderize slightly and the arugula wilts gently, the flavors meld together in a delightful symphony of texture and taste contrasts.
Farro Salad with Apples
In this hearty grain-based salad, nutty farro is perfectly complemented by sweet apples, peppery arugula, and tart dried cherries. The chewy texture of the farro provides a delightful contrast to the softness of the apples and greens, while feta cheese adds a savory depth. A drizzle of tart cherry vinaigrette strikes just the right balance between sweet and tangy. For added crunch, toasted pecans or walnuts would be an excellent addition.
Enjoy this satisfying salad on its own or paired with your favorite protein for a filling meal.
Tuscan Kale Salad
Tuscan kale is an ideal choice for kale salads due to its naturally tender leaves and easily softened ribs. To unlock its full potential, it’s carefully massaged with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing until the perfect balance of wilted and soft texture is achieved. A sprinkle of shaved Parmesan adds a depth of savory umami flavor, complemented by a satisfying crunch. The harmonious blend of garlicky, citrusy notes is incredibly alluring.
This salad can be enjoyed as a nutritious side or main course, topped with an assortment of your favorite ingredients like cooked grains, nuts, beans, or proteins. In its simplicity lies its irresistible charm.
Sweet Potato Salad
As the seasons change, a harmonious union of roasted sweet potatoes and peppery greens unfolds in this autumnal salad, perfectly balanced by crumbled feta and toasted almonds. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is elevated to new heights through the roasting process, providing a delightful textural contrast to the heartiness of kale or arugula.
Meanwhile, a tangy mustard vinaigrette expertly weaves together the diverse flavors, allowing for a satisfying serving whether enjoyed warm or chilled.
Crisp Apple Salad
Fall’s finest flavors come together in harmony within this delectable salad. Sliced apples provide a satisfying crunch, while the vibrant hue of pomegranates creates a stunning visual contrast against the green leaves. Toasted pecans, infused with the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of sweetness, add depth to each bite. The tangy creaminess of goat cheese beautifully complements the apple’s natural sweetness.
A drizzle of maple apple cider vinaigrette brings all these delightful elements together in perfect balance. Enjoy this revitalizing salad as a satisfying side dish for your holiday gatherings or a nutritious meal option for a quick weekday lunch.
Delicata Squash Salad
Tender delicata squash rings boast a rich, nutty flavor that transforms into a deep caramel when roasted to perfection. When combined with the tangy zip of pomegranate seeds, the satisfying crunch of pistachios, and a drizzle of honey mustard dressing, this autumnal salad becomes an unforgettable culinary experience.
As the squash yields slightly under the heat, its natural sweetness mingles harmoniously with the crunchy pistachios, while bursts of tart pomegranate flavor add a delightful pop of freshness to each bite. This dish is a vibrant celebration of the season’s flavors and textures, sure to leave you craving more.
Beet Salad with Balsamic Dressing
This delectable fall-inspired salad combines roasted beets with mixed baby greens, crumbly goat cheese, and a rich balsamic vinaigrette. When roasted, the natural sweetness of the beets is amplified, creating a delightful contrast to the subtle bitterness of the arugula-like greens. The creamy texture of the goat cheese provides a satisfying balance, while the earthy flavors of the beets are perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy balsamic dressing.
This harmonious salad can be enjoyed as a standalone entree or served alongside grains and nuts for added crunch.
Apple Manchego Salad Recipe
The sweetness of crisp apple slices is harmoniously balanced by the nutty, buttery flavor of Spanish Manchego cheese in this delightful salad. As the ingredients meld together, the subtle saltiness of the Manchego is enhanced, creating a rich and satisfying taste experience.
Endive Salad with Parmesan & Orange
A harmonious union of textures and flavors defines this refined salad, which pairs bitter endive leaves with sweet orange segments, savory Parmesan cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds. The delicate bitterness of the endive is beautifully tempered by the freshness of the citrus, creating a delightful contrast that keeps your taste buds engaged. Meanwhile, the toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth to each bite.
As the salad sits, the endive leaves gradually soften, allowing them to absorb more of the tangy dressing and further enhance its overall appeal. This elegant creation is perfect for serving as a sophisticated holiday starter or side dish.
