When the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves begin to turn shades of gold and crimson, it’s time to celebrate the season with a delightful dish that embodies all that fall has to offer. Enter the simple fall harvest salad, a bowl of vibrant colors and flavors that captures the essence of the harvest. pumpkin pie cookies for fall Imagine crunchy apples, sweet roasted squash, and peppery arugula dancing together in harmony, topped off with a tangy maple vinaigrette that makes your taste buds sing. fall pumpkin dump cake This salad not only pleases the eye but also warms the heart—perfect for cozy gatherings.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for nuts in this simple fall harvest salad?
- How long will this salad last in the fridge?
- Can I add protein to my simple fall harvest salad?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: you’re hosting a small get-together with friends, and as you toss together this simple fall harvest salad, laughter fills the room. The aroma of roasted vegetables wafts through the air, blending seamlessly with stories shared over steaming mugs of cider. It’s moments like these that create lasting memories—one bite of this salad, and your guests will feel right at home. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a casual dinner party, this salad is sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This simple fall harvest salad comes together quickly and effortlessly, making meal prep enjoyable rather than overwhelming
- With its burst of flavors from fresh ingredients, each bite is a celebration of autumn
- The colorful presentation is sure to be a showstopper on any table
- Perfect for any occasion—whether as a side dish or main event on your dinner plate
Sharing this salad recipe has brought smiles to my family’s faces during many holiday dinners; it truly brightens up our table.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Mixed Greens: A blend of greens like arugula and spinach adds freshness; choose organic when possible for maximum flavor.
- Butternut Squash: Roasted until caramelized, it brings sweetness; look for firm squash without blemishes. butternut squash soup.
- Apples: Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji add crunch; slice them just before serving to prevent browning.
- Pecans: These provide satisfying crunch; toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Adds creaminess and tang; opt for block feta for better texture over crumbled varieties.
- Maple Syrup: The star ingredient in our dressing; use pure maple syrup for authentic sweetness.
- Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; always taste before you pour.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This balances sweetness with acidity; try using apple cider vinegar for an extra autumnal touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube butternut squash into bite-sized pieces while dreaming about those golden autumn leaves. oven-baked butternut squash.
Roast the Squash: Toss cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through. For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.
Assemble Your Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens like arugula with some fresh spinach. Visualize how they’ll cradle all those tasty toppings as you layer them in!
Add Your Toppings: Once the squash cools slightly, add it along with sliced apples and toasted pecans to the greens. The colors should pop like fireworks on a summer night.
Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined. Give it a good shake while humming your favorite tune!
Dress Your Salad: Pour your dressing over the assembled salad just before serving to keep everything crisp. Toss gently but thoroughly until every piece gets coated in deliciousness.
Enjoy every bite of your simple fall harvest salad! It’s not just food; it’s an experience filled with flavor and warmth that celebrates everything we love about this beautiful season!
You Must Know
- This simple fall harvest salad celebrates seasonal flavors, combining crisp textures and vibrant colors
- It’s perfect for cozy gatherings, bringing a touch of autumn to your table
- Feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you have, making it a versatile dish year-round
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping all your ingredients before mixing. Chop the veggies and toast the nuts while the dressing blends together for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding roasted sweet potatoes or apples for extra sweetness. You can also swap nuts for seeds if allergies arise.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold or let it come to room temperature before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the freshest salad, use seasonal produce from local markets; it makes a huge difference in taste
- Toast nuts lightly to enhance their flavor without burning them
- Don’t overdress your salad; keep it light for a refreshing bite
I once brought this simple fall harvest salad to a potluck, and everyone raved about it! One friend even asked for the recipe, saying she wanted to impress her family during Thanksgiving. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe recipe.
FAQ
What can I substitute for nuts in this simple fall harvest salad?
Try using seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if you have nut allergies.
How long will this salad last in the fridge?
This simple fall harvest salad can stay fresh for about three days when stored properly.
Can I add protein to my simple fall harvest salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas work wonderfully as protein additions.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Fall Harvest Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Embrace the essence of autumn with this vibrant Fall Harvest Salad, featuring a delightful medley of crisp apples, roasted butternut squash, and peppery arugula. Tossed in a tangy maple vinaigrette, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a heartwarming dish perfect for any gathering. Quick to prepare and bursting with seasonal flavors, it’s an ideal addition to your holiday table or casual dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula and spinach)
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple, sliced
- ½ cup pecans, toasted
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens.
- Once cool, add roasted squash, sliced apple, and toasted pecans.
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad before serving and toss gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
