The scent of roasted squash mingles with crisp greens and tangy vinaigrette, creating an autumn salad that dances on your palate. With each bite, you can almost hear the crunch of falling leaves underfoot while the season’s vibrant colors fill your plate.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for autumn salad
- How to Make autumn salad
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs
- What ingredients are best for an autumn salad?
- How can I make my autumn salad more filling?
- Can I prepare an autumn salad in advance?
- What dressing goes well with an autumn salad?
- Conclusion for autumn salad
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every time I whip up this autumn salad, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen during Thanksgiving. She’d always manage to sneak in a fresh salad among the mountains of turkey and stuffing, and somehow, it became the star of the show. This dish is perfect for cozy gatherings or solo snacking while binge-watching your latest obsession on Netflix—trust me, it’s that good!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This autumn salad is easy to prepare and bursting with seasonal flavors that celebrate fall.
- Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- You can easily customize it based on your favorite ingredients or what you have in your fridge.
- Perfect as a side dish for holiday dinners or as a light meal any day of the week.
Ingredients for autumn salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Mixed Greens: A blend of arugula, spinach, and kale adds a robust flavor and plenty of nutrients.
- Butternut Squash: Roasted until tender, this sweet squash provides a hearty base for your salad.
- Apples: Crisp apples give a refreshing crunch; go for honeycrisp or granny smith for that sweet-tart balance.
- Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor; feel free to swap with pecans if you prefer.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a tangy creaminess that elevates all the other flavors in the salad.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: A homemade vinaigrette made with balsamic vinegar ties everything together beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make autumn salad
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Roast the Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before spreading them out on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Greens
While the squash roasts, wash and dry your mixed greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or by patting them down with paper towels. A crisp base is essential for any great autumn salad!
Step 3: Chop the Apples
Core and slice your chosen apples into thin wedges. If you want to keep them from browning too quickly (and who wouldn’t?), toss them lightly in lemon juice.
Step 4: Toast the Walnuts
In a small skillet over medium heat, toast your walnuts until they’re fragrant—about 5-7 minutes should do it. Keep an eye on them; burnt nuts are not part of our flavor profile today!
Step 5: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Adjust according to taste—you want it tangy yet slightly sweet.
Step 6: Assemble Your Salad
In a large bowl, combine roasted squash, mixed greens, apple slices, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette just before serving. Toss gently until everything is well-coated.
Transfer to plates and enjoy! Whether you serve this autumn salad at dinner or enjoy it solo at lunch, every bite will remind you why fall is such an incredible season for food lovers!
You Must Know
- This autumn salad is not just a dish; it’s a colorful celebration of fall’s bounty.
- You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have in your fridge.
- With vibrant hues and enticing aromas, it’s guaranteed to impress at any gathering or cozy dinner.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your veggies and fruits first; this way, they’ll be ready for assembly when you’re done with the dressing. Whisk together the dressing while the ingredients are being chopped, then toss everything together just before serving to keep it fresh.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this autumn salad with your favorite nuts, cheese, or even grains like quinoa or farro. You can switch up the dressing too—maple vinaigrette works wonders if you’re feeling a little sweet!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating; instead, enjoy it cold or let it come to room temperature for a refreshing bite.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For maximum flavor, let your salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
- This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Always taste as you go; seasoning can make or break your dish!
- Lastly, use fresh, seasonal ingredients for best results.
I once brought this autumn salad to a potluck and watched as my friends fought over the last spoonfuls. Apparently, nothing brings people together quite like roasted butternut squash and crunchy pecans!
FAQs
What ingredients are best for an autumn salad?
An autumn salad shines with seasonal ingredients. Think about incorporating roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, and toasted pecans. Leafy greens like kale or mixed greens provide a great base. Adding feta or goat cheese brings creaminess, while a light vinaigrette enhances the flavors. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. These ingredients not only taste great but also reflect the vibrant colors of fall.
How can I make my autumn salad more filling?
To create a more filling autumn salad, consider adding protein sources such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa. These ingredients will enhance the texture and nutritional content of your dish. Additionally, using hearty grains like farro or bulgur can add bulk and make the salad more satisfying. Topped with nuts or seeds also contributes healthy fats while keeping it crunchy and delicious.
Can I prepare an autumn salad in advance?
Absolutely! Preparing an autumn salad in advance can save you time during busy days. However, keep components separate until serving to maintain freshness. For example, store the greens and toppings like nuts and cheese separately from dressings. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine everything in a large bowl and drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette. This way, your salad remains crisp and tasty.
What dressing goes well with an autumn salad?
A simple homemade vinaigrette complements an autumn salad wonderfully. Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper for a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of fruits. Alternatively, consider a maple-balsamic dressing for added depth that highlights seasonal ingredients perfectly. The right dressing elevates your salad experience while enhancing its seasonal flavors.
Looking to expand your recipe collection? Check out these tasty recipes for your next culinary adventure.
Conclusion for autumn salad
In summary, crafting an autumn salad is all about embracing seasonal ingredients like roasted squash, crisp apples, and leafy greens. By adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas, you can make it filling and nutritious. Preparing your salad in advance ensures freshness while pairing it with a delightful dressing elevates the overall experience. With these tips in mind, you’ll create a deliciously satisfying dish that captures the essence of fall on your plate.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Autumn Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Savor the flavors of fall with a vibrant autumn salad, featuring roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, and toasted walnuts, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, kale)
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil for dressing
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste for dressing
Instructions
- 1. Roast the Butternut Squash
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- 2. Prepare the Greens
- Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens using a salad spinner or paper towels for crispness.
- 3. Chop the Apples
- Core and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss lightly in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- 4. Toast the Walnuts
- In a skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for about 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
- 5. Make the Vinaigrette
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar.
- 6. Assemble Your Salad
- In a large bowl, combine roasted butternut squash, mixed greens, apple slices, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (about 250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
