15 Best Fall Salads With Seasonal Produce (Apple, Pear & Squash)
15 Best Fall Salads With Seasonal Produce (Apple, Pear & Squash)
Fall salads are having a moment—and no, we’re not talking about limp lettuce and sad vinaigrettes. We’re talking hearty, flavorful bowls packed with roasted squash, crisp apples, juicy pears, toasted nuts, and cozy spices. These salads are fresh enough to feel light, but savory and satisfying enough to hold their own at dinner. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting, or just craving something seasonal and crunchy, these recipes deliver.
Here are 15 fall salads that celebrate the best of the season—from sweet and tangy to earthy and bold.
🍎 1. Apple Walnut Arugula Salad
Sweet, peppery, and perfectly balanced.
Ingredients:
- Arugula
- 1 apple (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup walnuts (toasted)
- Vegan feta or cashew cheese
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Why It Works:
The peppery arugula plays beautifully with sweet apples and creamy cheese.
🍐 2. Pear & Pecan Spinach Salad
Elegant and easy.
Ingredients:
- Baby spinach
- 1 ripe pear (sliced)
- ¼ cup pecans
- Dried cranberries
- Maple-Dijon dressing
Flavor Boost:
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dressing for extra fall flair.
🎃 3. Roasted Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad
Hearty and meal-worthy.
Ingredients:
- Roasted butternut squash cubes
- Cooked quinoa
- Kale or spinach
- Pumpkin seeds
- Lemon-tahini dressing
Meal Prep Tip:
Make a big batch—it holds up beautifully in the fridge.
🥬 4. Warm Brussels Sprout & Apple Slaw
Crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet.
Ingredients:
- Shredded Brussels sprouts
- 1 apple (julienned)
- Toasted almonds
- Vegan bacon bits (optional)
- Apple cider vinaigrette
Why It’s Cozy:
Serve it slightly warm for that fall comfort vibe.
🍠 5. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Salad
Southwestern meets autumn.
Ingredients:
- Roasted sweet potato cubes
- Black beans
- Corn
- Red onion
- Lime-cumin dressing
Optional:
Add avocado or tortilla strips for texture.
🍐 6. Pear & Roasted Beet Salad
Earthy, juicy, and vibrant.
Ingredients:
- Roasted beets
- Sliced pear
- Mixed greens
- Walnuts
- Orange-maple dressing
Pro Tip:
Use golden beets for a milder flavor and stunning color contrast.
🥗 7. Apple Farro Salad with Herbs
Nutty, chewy, and fresh.
Ingredients:
- Cooked farro
- Diced apple
- Parsley, mint
- Toasted hazelnuts
- Lemon-olive oil dressing
Why It’s Great:
Farro adds chew and depth—perfect for fall textures.
🎃 8. Squash & Kale Caesar Salad
A seasonal twist on a classic.
Ingredients:
- Roasted delicata or acorn squash
- Chopped kale
- Vegan Caesar dressing
- Croutons
- Vegan parmesan
Flavor Boost:
Massage the kale with dressing for extra tenderness.
🍎 9. Apple & Chickpea Curry Salad
Unexpected and delicious.
Ingredients:
- Chickpeas
- Diced apple
- Celery
- Vegan yogurt
- Curry powder, lemon juice
Serve With:
Lettuce cups or whole grain wraps.
🥒 10. Roasted Squash & Lentil Salad
Protein-packed and cozy.
Ingredients:
- Roasted butternut or kabocha squash
- Cooked green lentils
- Arugula or spinach
- Pomegranate seeds
- Balsamic glaze
Why It Works:
Sweet squash + earthy lentils = fall magic.
🍐 11. Pear & Wild Rice Salad
Chewy, juicy, and nutty.
Ingredients:
- Cooked wild rice
- Sliced pear
- Toasted almonds
- Dried cherries
- Maple-mustard dressing
Meal Prep Tip:
This salad gets better as it sits—perfect for next-day lunches.
🥬 12. Kale & Apple Salad with Tahini Dressing
Simple, crunchy, and creamy.
Ingredients:
- Chopped kale
- Thinly sliced apple
- Sunflower seeds
- Raisins
- Tahini-lemon dressing
Flavor Boost:
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dressing.
🍠 13. Sweet Potato & Arugula Salad with Pomegranate
Colorful and bold.
Ingredients:
- Roasted sweet potato
- Arugula
- Pomegranate seeds
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Maple-balsamic dressing
Why It’s a Win:
Sweet, tart, and peppery in every bite.
🍎 14. Apple & Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Dressing
Crunchy and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- Shredded red and green cabbage
- Julienned apple
- Carrots
- Ginger-lime dressing
Optional:
Add sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for crunch.
🎃 15. Roasted Squash & Barley Salad
Savory, chewy, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Roasted squash
- Cooked barley
- Spinach
- Toasted walnuts
- Sage vinaigrette
Why It’s Cozy:
Barley gives it that hearty, stick-to-your-ribs feel.
Final Thoughts
Fall salads are proof that seasonal produce can be fresh, vibrant, and totally comforting. These 15 recipes celebrate the best of autumn—from crisp apples and juicy pears to roasted squash and hearty grains. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a meal-worthy bowl, these salads bring the flavor and the feels.
So go ahead—chop, roast, toss, and drizzle your way into fall. Your salad game just got a seasonal upgrade 🍂🥗
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