Delightful Fall Harvest Salad: 1 Amazing Autumn Recipe

August 4, 2025

Delightful Fall Harvest Salad has become my absolute go-to for capturing the essence of autumn on a plate. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a vibrant tapestry of flavors and textures that reminds me of crisp, cool evenings and cozy gatherings. I remember the first time I tried making an autumn harvest salad recipe; I was a bit intimidated, but I discovered how simple and rewarding it is to assemble. This particular version, an easy fall harvest salad, is packed with roasted butternut squash, crunchy apples, and toasted pecans that just sing with seasonal goodness. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Delightful Fall Harvest Salad

An incredible balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that screams autumn.
Surprisingly quick to assemble, making it perfect for weeknights.
Packed with vitamins and fiber from the seasonal harvest salad ingredients.
A visually stunning dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Budget-friendly, using readily available fall produce.
A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
The combination of roasted squash and fresh apples is pure fall perfection.
You’ll love how easily you can find all the seasonal harvest salad ingredients at your local market.

Ingredients for Delightful Fall Harvest Salad

Gathering the ingredients for this butternut squash apple harvest salad is half the fun! You’ll need:

1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed – this is the sweet, earthy star of our salad
2 tablespoons olive oil – for roasting the squash to perfection
Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all those lovely fall flavors
1 large apple, cored and sliced – I love Honeycrisp or Fuji for their crispness
1/2 cup pecans, toasted – toasting brings out their rich, nutty aroma
1/4 cup dried cranberries – for a burst of tart sweetness
4 cups mixed greens – a bed of fresh greens to carry all the goodness
For the dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil – the base of our tangy dressing
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – for that essential bright, acidic tang
1 tablespoon maple syrup – to complement the squash and apples
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – for a little zip and emulsification

How to Make Delightful Fall Harvest Salad

Step 1: First things first, let’s get that oven fired up! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, grab a baking sheet and spread out your cubed butternut squash. Drizzle it with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures your squash will be perfectly tender and slightly caramelized, forming a delicious base for our fall salad with roasted squash.
Step 2: Pop that baking sheet into the preheated oven. Roast the squash for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for it to be fork-tender and have those lovely little caramelized edges – that’s where the magic happens! The aroma filling your kitchen will let you know it’s getting there.
Step 3: While the squash is doing its thing, let’s whip up the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. This dressing is bright, slightly sweet, and perfectly complements the roasted flavors of our fall salad with roasted squash.
Step 4: Once the squash is done roasting and smells amazing, remove it from the oven. In a large salad bowl, combine your 4 cups mixed greens. Add the warm, roasted butternut squash, your sliced 1 large apple, the toasted 1/2 cup pecans, and the vibrant 1/4 cup dried cranberries. This combination truly makes it a standout fall salad with roasted squash.
Step 5: Now for the grand finale! Drizzle that homemade dressing all over the salad. Gently toss everything together using salad tongs, ensuring every piece is lightly coated. You want to combine all those wonderful textures and flavors without bruising the delicate greens.
Step 6: Serve this beautiful Delightful Fall Harvest Salad immediately while the squash is still warm. It’s a truly satisfying and flavorful meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Delightful Fall Harvest Salad

I’ve made this salad countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it:

Roast your butternut squash until it’s tender and slightly caramelized; this brings out its natural sweetness and adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your Delightful Fall Harvest Salad.
Always toast your pecans! It makes a huge difference in their flavor and crunch. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet or in the oven while the squash roasts is all it takes.
For the dressing, whisking the ingredients vigorously helps to emulsify them, creating a smoother, more cohesive dressing for your salad.
Don’t overcook the squash; you want it tender, not mushy, so it holds its shape in the salad.

What’s the secret to perfect Delightful Fall Harvest Salad?

The secret lies in the balance of textures and the roasting of the squash. Getting that perfect tender, caramelized squash and combining it with crisp apples and crunchy pecans in an apple and squash autumn salad is key to its success.

Can I make Delightful Fall Harvest Salad ahead of time?

You can certainly prep components ahead! Roast the squash, toast the nuts, and make the dressing a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Delightful Fall Harvest Salad?

A common pitfall is using under-ripe or mushy squash – opt for firm squash. Also, avoid over-tossing the salad; gently combine the ingredients to prevent wilting the greens and breaking the squash.

Best Ways to Serve Delightful Fall Harvest Salad

This salad is so versatile; it’s practically a meal on its own! I love serving it as a light lunch, perhaps with a warm slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra dressing. It also makes a fantastic side dish for a cozy dinner. For a truly festive meal, pair this harvest salad with pecans and apples alongside roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. It’s the perfect way to bring seasonal flavors to your table and impress your guests with minimal fuss.

Nutrition Facts for Delightful Fall Harvest Salad

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious salad:

Calories: 450
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 26g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 200mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Delightful Fall Harvest Salad.

How to Store and Reheat Delightful Fall Harvest Salad

Proper storage is key to enjoying this seasonal salad even after it’s made. Once your Delightful Fall Harvest Salad has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. I find glass containers work best for maintaining freshness. You can store the assembled salad in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, though it’s always best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal texture. Unfortunately, this salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the fresh greens and apples. For reheating, if you prefer your squash warm, you can reheat the squash and other components gently in a skillet or microwave, then re-toss with fresh greens and dressing. This makes it a great option for meal prepping your autumn harvest salad recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delightful Fall Harvest Salad

What is a fall harvest salad?

A fall harvest salad, like this delightful version, is typically a vibrant dish that showcases the best produce available during the autumn season. It often features ingredients like squash, apples, pears, root vegetables, nuts, and dried fruits, complemented by a seasonal dressing. It’s all about celebrating the bounty of fall!

Can I substitute ingredients in my Delightful Fall Harvest Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have or prefer. Pears can replace apples, walnuts can stand in for pecans, and dried cherries are a great alternative to cranberries. You can even add roasted sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts for extra flavor and texture in your autumn harvest salad recipe.

How do I make my Delightful Fall Harvest Salad more filling?

To make this salad more substantial, consider adding a protein source like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some quinoa. A sprinkle of cheese, like goat cheese or feta, also adds richness and makes it a more complete meal. These additions make it a fantastic, hearty option for any meal.

Is this Delightful Fall Harvest Salad good for meal prepping?

Yes, with a little planning! You can roast the squash, toast the nuts, and make the dressing ahead of time. Store these components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine the ingredients with fresh mixed greens and toss with the dressing. It makes for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.

Variations of Delightful Fall Harvest Salad You Can Try

This salad is so adaptable, you can easily customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas to make your own unique version of this easy fall harvest salad:

For a Creamy Twist: Instead of the vinaigrette, try a creamy maple-tahini dressing. Whisk together tahini, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and a splash of water until smooth. This adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the squash.
Add Some Protein: Make it a heartier meal by adding grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even some crumbled cooked sausage. This transforms the salad into a complete and satisfying main course.
Go Dairy-Free/Vegan: This recipe is already largely vegan, but if you want to add cheese, opt for a dairy-free feta or a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds for crunch instead of nuts.
Spice It Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the roasting squash or a dash of cayenne to the dressing. It adds a surprising warmth that’s perfect for a crisp autumn day.