As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to blaze with color, it’s time to bring the warmth and richness of autumn to your table—starting with salads that celebrate the season.
These 24+ fall salad recipes are anything but boring. Think roasted root vegetables, tart apples, earthy grains, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheeses—all tied together with vibrant vinaigrettes and cozy spices.
Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving menu, prepping healthy lunches, or looking for a hearty side to serve with roasted meats, these salads deliver on flavor, texture, and seasonal appeal.
From warm grain bowls to apple-packed greens, these fall salad ideas are both nourishing and satisfying enough to stand alone or complement your favorite comfort foods.
24+ Healthy Fall Salad Recipes That Are Perfect for the Season
Fall salads prove that healthy, seasonal eating doesn’t have to be bland or repetitive.
With roasted vegetables, tangy fruits, hearty grains, and warm spices, these recipes offer the perfect mix of comfort and freshness.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just cozying up at home, there’s something here to suit every mood and meal.
Let these salads bring the colors and flavors of autumn right to your table—no matter how chilly it gets outside.
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
This Roasted Butternut Squash Salad captures the very essence of fall with its warm, earthy flavors and vibrant colors.
The tender squash is caramelized to perfection, mingling with tart dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy goat cheese for a texture-rich experience.
Hints of maple and cinnamon waft through the air, making each bite feel like an autumn embrace.
It’s just as delicious served warm or chilled, making it the perfect companion to roasted meats or a satisfying lunch on its own.
Let’s Cook It !Apple Walnut Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
The Apple Walnut Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a crisp, tangy celebration of fall’s orchard bounty.
Thinly sliced apples bring a juicy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the toasty richness of walnuts and the sharp bite of blue cheese.
A drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette adds a sweet-tart zing that lingers pleasantly on the tongue.
This salad balances freshness with comfort and pairs effortlessly with everything from roast chicken to crusty bread.
Let’s Cook It !Kale and Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
With its bold, earthy notes and hearty textures, the Kale and Roasted Sweet Potato Salad is an autumn must-have.
Massaged kale leaves become tender and vibrant, perfectly complementing the soft, caramelized chunks of sweet potato.
A citrusy tahini dressing adds brightness and creaminess, while pumpkin seeds bring a satisfying crunch.
Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed solo, this salad delivers nourishment and cozy, seasonal flair.
Let’s Cook It !Warm Farro Salad with Delicata Squash
The Warm Farro Salad with Delicata Squash is a comforting bowl of nutty grains and golden roasted goodness.
Farro’s chewy texture pairs beautifully with the naturally sweet, slightly crisp delicata squash slices.
Fragrant sage, a touch of maple, and toasted pecans infuse the dish with rich autumn aromas.
Enjoy it warm for a hearty lunch or as a rustic, elegant side at your next dinner gathering.
Let’s Cook It !Brussels Sprout and Pomegranate Salad
The Brussels Sprout and Pomegranate Salad offers a refreshing crunch with unexpected bursts of brightness.
Shaved Brussels sprouts create a crisp base, tossed with juicy pomegranate seeds, toasted almonds, and tangy feta.
A lemon-honey dressing ties everything together with a sweet and citrusy finish.
Perfect as a palate cleanser or light entrée, it’s both festive and nourishing.
Let’s Cook It !Harvest Wild Rice Salad
This Harvest Wild Rice Salad is a colorful, wholesome blend of nutty grains, roasted vegetables, and vibrant fruit.
Chewy wild rice combines with sweet roasted carrots, tart apples, and juicy grapes for a mosaic of textures and tastes.
A subtle cider vinaigrette enhances the natural sweetness and adds a lovely autumnal aroma.
Serve it chilled or room temperature—it’s equally stunning at a holiday table or packed for a weekday lunch.
Let’s Cook It !Autumn Chopped Salad
The Autumn Chopped Salad is a medley of fall’s finest produce, bringing together sweet, savory, and crunchy in every forkful.
Diced apples, crisp romaine, roasted butternut squash, and smoky bacon mingle with creamy blue cheese crumbles for a flavor-packed experience.
Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast between cool freshness and warm roasted notes, making it as comforting as it is refreshing.
Finished with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, this salad shines as a standalone lunch or an elevated side for pork or poultry.
Let’s Cook It !Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
The Pear and Gorgonzola Salad is an elegant twist on the classic fruit-and-cheese pairing, full of fall-inspired depth.
Juicy ripe pears bring floral sweetness that’s balanced beautifully by the bold tang of Gorgonzola cheese.
Toasted walnuts add a toasty crunch, while mixed greens provide a crisp, peppery foundation.
A light drizzle of honey-dijon vinaigrette enhances the complexity, making this salad perfect for autumn dinner parties or cozy evenings in.
Let’s Cook It !Arugula Fig Salad
The Arugula Fig Salad is a celebration of sweet and peppery contrasts, ideal for fall when fresh figs are at their peak.
Fresh arugula offers a vibrant, peppery bite that dances beautifully with the rich, jammy flavor of sliced figs.
Creamy goat cheese softens the intensity, while toasted pistachios lend a gentle crunch and nuttiness.
Tossed in a fig balsamic glaze, it’s a refined salad that pairs effortlessly with grilled meats, flatbreads, or a glass of wine.
Let’s Cook It !Maple Roasted Carrot Salad
The Maple Roasted Carrot Salad turns a humble root vegetable into a show-stopping autumn dish.
Sweet, tender carrots are roasted with maple syrup until caramelized and golden, releasing warm, earthy aromas that fill the kitchen.
They’re layered over a bed of baby greens and tossed with tangy goat cheese, crunchy pepitas, and a hint of cumin.
This salad is both rustic and vibrant—perfect served warm as a hearty vegetarian entrée or a colorful Thanksgiving side.
Let’s Cook It !Beet and Apple Salad
The Beet and Apple Salad offers a striking visual and flavor contrast, combining sweet, earthy, and crisp elements.
Roasted beets lend a deep, earthy richness that’s beautifully offset by the bright crunch of fresh apples.
Walnuts and arugula add texture and peppery depth, while a mustard vinaigrette brings zesty complexity.
This salad works wonderfully as a light lunch or a bright starter alongside heavier fall mains like braised meats or casseroles.
Let’s Cook It !Pumpkin Quinoa Salad
The Pumpkin Quinoa Salad is a nutrient-dense dish that celebrates the cozy flavors of the season in every bite.
Roasted pumpkin cubes add soft, slightly sweet notes that pair seamlessly with the nutty chew of tricolor quinoa.
Dried cranberries and pecans bring both tartness and crunch, while a cinnamon-spiced dressing rounds it all out with warmth.
Enjoy it warm or cold—this salad is ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or a wholesome fall lunch that feels anything but ordinary.
Let’s Cook It !Fall Harvest Salad
The Fall Harvest Salad is a true celebration of the season’s bounty, brimming with both color and comfort.
Crisp apples and pears meet roasted sweet potatoes and spiced pecans over a bed of mixed greens, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
A creamy maple dijon dressing adds warmth and tang, coating each ingredient in a velvety fall-inspired glaze.
Perfect for pairing with roast chicken or turkey, it also stands on its own as a satisfying lunch full of crunch, sweetness, and depth.
Let’s Cook It !Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
The Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad transforms this humble vegetable into a refreshing, crave-worthy dish.
Thinly sliced sprouts deliver a delicate crunch, tossed with tart dried cherries, salty Parmesan, and toasted almonds for a rich contrast.
The salad is brightened with a lemon vinaigrette that brings zesty clarity to each bite while letting the nutty sprouts shine.
Ideal as a lighter side dish for hearty autumn meals, it also holds its own beautifully on any holiday table.
Let’s Cook It !Cranberry Pecan Salad
The Cranberry Pecan Salad is a festive, crowd-pleasing favorite that highlights both sweet and savory notes.
Juicy dried cranberries offer pops of tartness alongside buttery roasted pecans and crumbles of creamy feta.
Mixed greens form a crisp foundation, while a balsamic-honey dressing brings everything together with warmth and balance.
It’s a versatile dish you can serve at fall potlucks, holiday feasts, or simply enjoy as a vibrant everyday meal.
Let’s Cook It !Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
The Roasted Delicata Squash Salad is a cozy, flavor-packed creation that feels like a warm hug in salad form.
Roasted delicata slices are naturally sweet with caramelized edges, layered atop peppery arugula and crunchy pepitas.
Creamy goat cheese softens each bite, while a cider vinaigrette adds the perfect tangy counterpoint.
Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this salad makes an excellent accompaniment to pork chops, grain bowls, or roasted root vegetables.
Let’s Cook It !Warm Lentil Salad
The Warm Lentil Salad is a hearty and earthy dish that’s perfect for chilly fall days when you crave something wholesome.
Tender French lentils are tossed with roasted carrots, leeks, and garlic, creating a deeply savory base with sweet undertones.
Fresh herbs and a mustard-shallot vinaigrette add brightness and depth, giving each bite a rich, layered finish.
Enjoy it solo for a protein-rich meal or pair it with crusty bread or roasted chicken for a comforting dinner.
Let’s Cook It !Spinach Apple Salad
The Spinach Apple Salad brings a fresh, juicy crunch to the table with just a hint of sweetness.
Crisp apple slices shine against a backdrop of tender baby spinach, while sharp cheddar and red onions add bold flavor.
A homemade apple cider vinaigrette adds a touch of tang and spice that makes every bite sing with fall goodness.
Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this salad is just right for busy weeknights or casual autumn gatherings.
Let’s Cook It !Sweet Potato Kale Salad
The Sweet Potato Kale Salad is a nourishing, flavor-packed blend that perfectly bridges comfort and freshness.
Roasted sweet potato cubes bring a tender, caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy bite of fresh kale.
A sprinkle of pepitas adds crunch, while dried cranberries offer a tart contrast that lifts each mouthful.
Tssed in a creamy tahini or lemon-maple dressing, this salad works wonderfully on its own or as a vibrant side to grilled chicken or grain bowls.
Let’s Cook It !Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad
The Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is bursting with fall flavors and textures that make every bite exciting.
Crisp apple slices and chewy dried cranberries create a sweet-tart profile, balanced by the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts.
Mixed greens provide a refreshing base, while crumbled goat cheese adds richness and tang.
Finished with a light apple cider vinaigrette, it’s an ideal addition to a Thanksgiving spread or a quick autumn lunch.
Let’s Cook It !Roasted Cauliflower Salad
The Roasted Cauliflower Salad brings out the best in this cool-weather veggie with deep caramelized flavor and hearty texture.
Golden cauliflower florets are tossed with warm spices like cumin and paprika, then roasted until nutty and tender.
Paired with greens, chickpeas, red onion, and a lemon-tahini dressing, it’s a salad that satisfies like a full meal.
Whether served warm or chilled, it’s excellent alongside grilled proteins or tucked into a pita with extra dressing.
Let’s Cook It !Butternut Couscous Salad
The Butternut Couscous Salad is a cozy, grain-based dish that combines sweet roasted squash with fluffy pearl couscous.
Each forkful delivers a contrast of creamy and chewy textures, enhanced by toasted pine nuts and juicy pomegranate seeds.
Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon brighten the dish, adding a fresh, herbal note to the warm base.
It works beautifully as a festive side for roasted meats or a colorful vegetarian centerpiece.
Let’s Cook It !Spinach Fig Salad
The Spinach Fig Salad offers a luxurious mix of sweet, earthy, and savory elements for a refined fall flavor profile.
Fresh figs or dried ones bring a honeyed richness, layered with peppery baby spinach and sharp shavings of Parmesan.
Toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch, while a balsamic glaze gives it a velvety, tangy finish.
Serve it as a starter for a fall dinner party or pair it with roasted pork tenderloin for a stunning main dish.
Let’s Cook It !Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad
The Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad is a vibrant, flavor-forward dish that’s both earthy and elegant.
Sweet roasted beets are sliced over a bed of greens and paired with creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts.
A drizzle of orange vinaigrette adds a citrusy lift, enhancing the natural sweetness and adding balance.
Perfect on its own or served alongside grilled steak or roasted salmon, this salad is as visually striking as it is satisfying.
Let’s Cook It !Conclusion
Ready to rethink salads for fall? These 24+ recipes make it easy to swap summer staples for heartier, seasonal ingredients.
They’re perfect for everything from holiday spreads to weekly meal prep, and many can be customized based on what’s in your pantry.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—fall is the perfect season to layer flavors, textures, and cozy combinations.
Grab your favorite produce, whip up a bold vinaigrette, and get ready to fall in love with salads all over again.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.