A colorful fall harvest salad that combines the best seasonal fall flavors! Mixed greens, Honeycrisp apples, roasted butternut squash, goat cheese, candied nuts, and a pop of pomegranate seeds drizzled with a sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette. A beautiful recipe for your holiday table!

You will also love Apple and Pistachio Salad and Pear Gorgonzola Salad—a perfect accompaniment to Roast Chicken.

Why you’ll love this fall harvest salad

You’ll absolutely adore this harvest salad because it’s a joyful symphony of autumn’s finest flavors and textures! Every bite is a celebration of the season’s vibrant and fresh ingredients. Just like our Italian Chopped Salad Recipe!

Whether you’re seeking a visually stunning addition to your Thanksgiving dinner or a wholesome, customizable, and nutrient-rich dish, this salad is your ticket to savoring the essence of fall in every mouthwatering forkful.

Simple Ingredients

This beautiful salad combines all your favorite fall ingredients. It will be your favorite go-to salad for entertaining.

Salad:

• Spring mix or mixed greens
• Seasoned and roasted butternut squash
• Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
• Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• Candied pecans
• Pomegranate seeds
• Goat cheese, crumbled

For the Seasoned and Roasted Butternut Squash:

• Butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Cayenne Pepper
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

For the Homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette (in a mason jar):

• Apple cider vinegar
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Honey or maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh sage
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make this Harvest Salad (step-by-step photos)

This easy butternut squash salad has the best flavors! It’s a delicious salad for any occasion.

In a large salad bowl, add the spring mix or mixed greens. Arrange the sliced Honeycrisp apples on top of the greens. Sprinkle the cooled, roasted butternut squash, pumpkin seeds, pecans (optional), pomegranate seeds, and crumbled goat cheese over the apples and greens.

Just before serving, drizzle the homemade apple cider vinaigrette over the salad. You can use as much or as little dressing as you prefer.
Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve the Fall Harvest Salad immediately, and enjoy!

Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for some of the ingredients in this simple salad, here are some options:

• Spring Mix: You can substitute spring mix with other leafy greens like spinach, arugula, kale, or a combination of your favorite greens.
• Butternut Squash: If you don’t have butternut squash, you can use acorn squash, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin as a replacement.
• Honeycrisp Apples: While Honeycrisp apples are known for their sweet and crisp texture, you can use other apple varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Choose apples that suit your taste preferences.
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: If you don’t have pumpkin seeds (pepitas), you can substitute them with roasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a different crunch.
• Pomegranate Seeds: If pomegranate seeds are not available, you can use dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped fresh cranberries for a similar tartness and color.
• Goat Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese or want a vegan option, you can use tangy feta cheese, blue cheese, or a dairy-free alternative like almond-based “goat cheese” or crumbled vegan cheese.
• Homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette: You can use a store-bought apple cider vinaigrette or any preferred salad dressing if you’re short on time. Balsamic vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing are good alternatives.

Variations

Variations can add exciting twists to your autumn harvest salad. Here are some creative variations to consider:

• Cranberry Vinaigrette: Create a cranberry vinaigrette by blending fresh cranberries with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and a touch of orange zest. This dressing adds a delightful tangy note.
• Chicken or Shrimp: For added protein, grill some chicken or shrimp and place it on top of the salad. It complements the flavors and makes the salad more substantial. Even add some crunchy salty bacon on top!
• Pecorino or Parmesan Cheese: Substitute the goat cheese with shaved pecorino or Parmesan cheese for a different savory and salty flavor.
• Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash: Instead of plain roasted butternut squash, toss the squash with a maple glaze before roasting to enhance the sweetness.
• Arugula and Radicchio Mix: Use a mix of arugula and radicchio for a slightly peppery and bitter contrast to the sweet components of the salad.
• Toasted Sliced Almonds: Toasted sliced almonds can be a great alternative to pumpkin seeds, adding a mild nutty flavor.
• Pear or Persimmon: Experiment with seasonal fruits like ripe pears or persimmons for a change in taste and texture.
• Candied Bacon: For a decadent touch, consider adding candied bacon bits for a salty-sweet contrast.
• Cinnamon-Spiced Croutons: Make homemade cinnamon-spiced croutons for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Balsamic Reduction Drizzle: Instead of apple cider vinaigrette, drizzle a balsamic reduction for a sweeter and thicker dressing.
• Feel free to mix and match these variations to create a unique Fall Harvest Salad that suits your taste preferences and any dietary restrictions you may have. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors!

Storage

If you have leftovers, cover the entire salad bowl or transfer it to an airtight container, making sure the container has a secure lid to prevent dressing leakage. Consume the salad within 24 hours for the best taste and texture, as the dressing can cause greens to wilt over time.

To prevent sogginess, consider storing the salad and dressing separately, drizzling the dressing over the salad just before serving.

Homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette: The vinaigrette can be stored in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. Shake or stir it well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

FAQs

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