Description
This vibrant Fall Harvest Salad combines fresh mixed greens with sweet autumn fruits, crunchy candied nuts, and a tangy maple vinaigrette for a refreshing and seasonal dish that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- ½ cup roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified. Set aside to let the flavors blend.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, thinly sliced apple and pear, dried cranberries, candied nuts, and roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes if using. Gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared maple vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta on top. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein to make it a more substantial meal.
- Swap goat cheese for blue cheese if you prefer a bolder, tangier flavor.
- This salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a warm soup, making it a perfect dish for cozy fall meals.
- If roasting squash or sweet potatoes, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast cubes for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (unless roasting squash, then 20-25 minutes)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
