Delightful Fall Salad Maple: Easy 15 Min Prep

Name: Delightful Fall Salad Maple: Easy 15 Min Prep
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed greens; 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed; 1/2 cup toasted pecans; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; For the Maple-Lime Dressing:; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

by dorina alena

August 18, 2025

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Delightful Fall Salad Maple has a special place in my heart, especially when the leaves start to turn fiery red and gold. I still remember the first time I tasted a truly amazing autumn salad, bursting with roasted squash and a bright, tangy dressing. It was a revelation! This Maple Fall Salad Recipe captures that same magic, with sweet maple syrup and zesty lime creating a symphony of flavors. It’s hands-down the Best Maple Salad for Fall, showcasing the season’s bounty in every single bite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Delightful Fall Salad Maple

Incredible taste: A perfect balance of sweet maple, tangy lime, and savory roasted squash.
Quick prep time: Ready in just 15 minutes of active prep, making it a weeknight winner.
Healthy and satisfying: Packed with vitamins from the mixed greens and squash.
Budget-friendly ingredients: Most items are common pantry staples.
Family-friendly flavors: Even picky eaters usually love this delicious Autumn Salad with Maple Dressing.
Versatile: Great as a main course or a stunning side dish.
The Autumn Salad with Maple Dressing is so easy to whisk up and coats everything beautifully.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal produce.

Ingredients for Delightful Fall Salad Maple

Gather these simple yet flavorful Fall Salad Ingredients Maple for a truly special dish:

4 cups mixed greens – the crisp base of our salad
1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed – adds sweetness and a tender texture
1/2 cup toasted pecans – for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor
1/4 cup dried cranberries – brings a chewy sweetness and vibrant color
For the Maple-Lime Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil – the foundation for a smooth dressing
2 tablespoons maple syrup – the star sweetener, providing that signature fall flavor
1 tablespoon lime juice – for a zesty, tangy contrast to the sweetness
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – adds a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing
Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors

How to Make Delightful Fall Salad Maple

Step 1: If you haven’t already, roast your butternut squash. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed squash with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread it on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Let it cool slightly.
Step 2: While the squash cools, prepare the salad base. In a large salad bowl, combine the 4 cups mixed greens, the cooled 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed, 1/2 cup toasted pecans, and 1/4 cup dried cranberries. This combination already smells amazing!
Step 3: Now for the star of the show – the dressing. In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. This simple whisking creates a beautiful Maple Vinaigrette Fall Salad dressing.
Step 4: Season the dressing with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a good taste – you want that perfect balance of sweet and tangy. This dressing transforms a simple salad into a truly delightful fall experience.
Step 5: Pour the prepared Maple Vinaigrette Fall Salad dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl.
Step 6: Gently toss everything together until the greens, squash, pecans, and cranberries are evenly coated with the delicious dressing. The aroma of the maple and lime is just wonderful. Serve this vibrant Delightful Fall Salad Maple immediately and enjoy the taste of autumn!

Delightful Fall Salad Maple: Easy 15 Min Prep - Delightful Fall Salad Maple - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Delightful Fall Salad Maple

Want to make this salad absolutely perfect? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really elevate this dish:

Roast your squash until it’s tender but not mushy, with slightly crisp edges. This adds amazing texture.
Toast your pecans! It only takes a few minutes in a dry pan, but it brings out their nutty flavor and makes them extra crunchy.
Make the dressing ahead of time. The flavors meld beautifully, and it saves you time when you’re ready to assemble.
Don’t overdress the salad. Start with a little dressing and add more as needed to avoid soggy greens.

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

The secret lies in the balance of the dressing and the texture of the squash. Getting that perfect sweet-tangy flavor in the dressing, and roasting the squash until it’s tender with caramelized edges, truly makes this a Seasonal Fall Maple Salad standout.

Can I make Delightful Fall Salad Maple ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the butternut squash and prepare the maple-lime dressing up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the greens and pecans separate until just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch.

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

Avoid soggy greens by dressing the salad right before serving. Also, don’t overcook the squash; it should be tender, not mushy. Ensure your lime juice is fresh, not bottled, for the best tangy flavor in your dressing. For more tips on cooking, you can check out our about me page.

Best Ways to Serve Delightful Fall Salad Maple

This vibrant salad is incredibly versatile and makes a wonderful addition to any meal. I love serving this Delightful Fall Salad Maple as a lighter main course, perhaps with some grilled chicken or pan-seared salmon on the side to make it a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider adding some roasted chickpeas or quinoa. It also pairs beautifully as a side dish to roasted pork or turkey, making it a perfect Harvest Salad with Maple for holiday gatherings. Don’t forget a side of crusty bread to sop up any extra dressing – it’s that good! You can find more serving suggestions on our contact us page.

Nutrition Facts for Delightful Fall Salad Maple

Here’s a breakdown of what each serving of this delicious salad offers:

Calories: 350
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 22g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For more information on our data sources, please see our privacy policy.

Delightful Fall Salad Maple: Easy 15 Min Prep - Delightful Fall Salad Maple - additional detail

Proper storage is key to keeping this salad fresh and delicious. Once cooled, I like to store the components separately to prevent sogginess. Keep the mixed greens and toasted pecans in one airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the roasted butternut squash and the maple-lime dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge as well. While this salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the delicate greens, the roasted squash can be frozen for up to 3 months if you plan to use it in another dish. Reheat the squash gently in the oven or microwave before tossing with fresh greens and dressing for a quick meal. You can even make a Maple Glazed Fall Salad variation by tossing the squash with a little extra maple syrup before storing! For more details on our storage recommendations, please refer to our terms and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delightful Fall Salad Maple

What are some good ingredient substitutions for this Delightful Fall Salad Maple?

You can easily customize this Delightful Fall Salad Maple! If you don’t have butternut squash, roasted sweet potatoes or even cubed apples work wonderfully. Instead of pecans, try toasted walnuts or slivered almonds for a similar crunch. Dried cherries or chopped dates can be used instead of cranberries for a different sweet-tart flavor profile.

Can I make this an Easy Delightful Fall Salad with protein?

Absolutely! This salad is fantastic with added protein. Grilled chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, or even some seasoned baked tofu make it a more substantial meal. For a vegetarian option, add some firm tofu or tempeh marinated in a similar maple-lime dressing. This makes it an even heartier and complete dish.

How can I make the maple-lime dressing creamier?

To achieve a creamier dressing, you can whisk in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or tahini. This adds a lovely richness and a slightly different flavor profile. It’s a simple trick that can transform your Delightful Fall Salad Maple into an even more decadent experience.

Is this a good salad for meal prepping?

Yes, it’s a great candidate for meal prep! As mentioned before, roast the squash and make the dressing ahead of time. Keep the greens, nuts, and cranberries separate. Combine everything and dress just before you plan to eat. This ensures your greens stay crisp and your nuts crunchy, making it an Easy Delightful Fall Salad to grab and go. You can learn more about meal prepping from our affiliate disclaimer.

Variations of Delightful Fall Salad Maple You Can Try

I love how adaptable this salad is! Here are a few ways I like to switch it up to keep things exciting:

Vegan Delight: For a completely vegan version of this Delightful Fall Salad Maple, ensure your maple syrup is certified vegan. You can also swap the pecans for toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas for a nut-free option.
Protein Powerhouse: Turn this into a hearty meal by adding grilled chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, or even some seasoned baked tofu. This makes it a wonderfully satisfying main course.
Cheesy Goodness: A crumble of goat cheese or feta cheese adds a lovely salty, tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweet maple dressing. This variation truly elevates the flavor profile.
Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or sprinkle some finely chopped jalapeño over the finished salad. This creates a delicious Sweet Maple Fall Salad with a hint of heat.