Whether you are looking for inspiration for your upcoming Thanksgiving or Christmas menu or are in need of ideas to put the bounty of the season to good use, here are over 15 of our favorite autumn salads we make over and over again.
Fall Harvest Salad
This easy fall salad is one of my ultimate go-to recipes for seasonal flavor. Iconic autumn ingredients—tangy goat cheese, dried figs, toasted pecans, and homemade maple dijon vinaigrette—make for a salad everyone will love. Serve this tasty kale salad as a hearty main meal or a side green salad for Thanksgiving dinner, and you won’t believe how many compliments you get!
Wild Rice Salad
Vegan, nutritious, and brimming with tart pomegranate arils, this colorful salad makes a great addition to any holiday table. It’s no surprise why this recipe is one of my favorite warm fall salads. Zesty orange vinaigrette perfectly balances this dish’s earthy wild rice, nutty pecans, and sweet grapes. Plus, once you check out my foolproof guide on how to cook wild rice, this delicious salad will be one of your go-to easy fall salads. Guaranteed.
Butternut Squash Salad
Out of all my fall salads, this simple recipe is one of the most colorful. Roasted butternut squash cubes make a sweet pair with leafy arugula, and warm apple cider vinaigrette takes this fall-themed salad to the next level. This hearty salad transforms fresh greens into a festive comfort food that’s as eye-catching as it is finger-licking.
Kale Brussels Sprout Salad
If you’re looking for healthy fall salads that will tantalize your tastebuds with seasonal flavor, you’ve come to the right place. Inspired by some of the best fall salads on the internet, this autumn salad will make a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving table and your collection of healthy meals for weeknight dinners. You can even use my guide on how to massage kale to give this simple green salad tender, flavorful leaves.
Apple Salad
Who can say no to tart apples, fresh baby spinach, and tangy yogurt dressing? Not me! This 15-minute recipe is one of my favorite apple salads because it packs all the flavor of an apple orchard with barely any prep time. It is our favorite salad as soon as the leaves start turning their colors, which is why I also call it my go-to September Salad. Whether you put this on your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner menu or serve it as a quick sweet-and-savory dinner side, your tastebuds will thank you.
Shredded Brussel Sprout Salad
This delectable Shaved Brussels sprouts salad is the ultimate fall salad for vegetarians. Tart apples, dried cranberries, and toasted hazelnuts are just a few of this dish’s fall-forward ingredients. This recipe also comes with a zesty autumn salad dressing that brings all its flavors to life. One bite of this autumnal salad, and you’ll want it every day of the week, from September to November.
Acorn Squash Salad
If you want Thanksgiving salad recipes that will impress everyone at your dinner table, this feel-good fall salad is just what you need. Spicy pumpkin seeds and sweet cranberries pair perfectly with this autumnal dish’s roasted acorn squash slices (or roasted delicata squash!). Topped with apple cider vinegar dressing and hearty quinoa, this arugula salad recipe is easily one of my most exquisite fall side dishes.
Ottolenghi Butternut Squash Salad
When making fall green salad recipes for a crowd, you want a dish guaranteed to satisfy. This fall vegetable salad, right from Ottolenghi’s cookbook (affiliate link), will make a brilliant addition to any autumn spread, with bold red onion, tangy tahini dressing, and tender butternut squash. New to cooking bulgur? No problem. Learn how to cook bulgur using my foolproof guide, and this delectable family dinner will come together in a snap.
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
No recipe screams “holiday salads” more than this healthy dish. Make this fall harvest quinoa salad ahead of time to cut your meal prep time in half, or serve it fresh for a weeknight meal as nutritious as it is tasty. New to cooking quinoa? No problem. Follow my foolproof method for cooking quinoa and easily up the nutritional value of all your autumn salad recipes with this superfood in a matter of minutes. And if you need more inspiration, be sure to check out all of my Quinoa Salads.
Original Caesar Salad
It’s no wonder why Caesar salad is among my go-to fall salad ideas. Crisp romaine lettuce, sharp Parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing combine for a classic side that pairs with dozens of main dishes. You can even top this recipe with your choice of protein—from roasted chicken breast to salmon filets—and serve it as a complete meal. Fall lettuce salads don’t get easier than this fan-favorite dish.
Goat Cheese Salad
Want a thirty-minute meal that looks like it came straight from a five-star restaurant? Herb-crusted goat cheese balls, red wine vinaigrette, and simple salad greens pack the richest and best flavors into one easy dish. Like my other salads for autumn, you can start this simple fall salad ahead of time, making it a go-to for holiday meal prep. For even more earthy fall flavors, check out my delectable collection of easy goat cheese recipes.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
If you’re on the hunt for potluck salads for fall, this recipe is just what you need. This tasty crowd-pleaser packs irresistible flavor with ingredients like nutty sunflower seeds, sweet raisins, and savory turkey bacon. Creamy, crunchy, tangy, and more, this hearty dish will be one of your new favorite fall salad ideas.
Kale and Apple Slaw
Few dishes are as flavorful or as easy as this hearty autumn slaw. Tender massaged kale, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, and lightly salted sunflower seeds make this simple dish one of the best fall salad recipes for beginner chefs. Top this heartier green recipe with homemade Maple Dijon Vinaigrette, and prepare yourself for a slew of compliments. (Did I mention this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and you probably already have all of the salad ingredients in your pantry?)
Chicken Waldorf Salad
Whether you take this fan-favorite dish to a party potluck, a holiday dinner, or a simple weeknight meal doesn’t matter. This hearty chicken salad is bound to be a hit. Everyone will love this recipe’s succulent roast chicken, earthy walnuts, and sweet grapes. Add a bright flavor to every bite with fresh lemon juice, tangy yogurt, and peppery seasoning, and everyone will be asking for a second helping of this simple dish.
