11 Crunchy Slaw & Main Dinners for Autumn

Autumn Brussels Sprouts Slaw With Cranberries

crunchy autumn salad delight

Autumn Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Cranberries is a vibrant and crunchy salad that perfectly captures the flavors of the season. This dish combines shredded Brussels sprouts with tart cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing, making it a delightful side for your autumn dinners. It’s not only beautiful to look at but also packed with nutrients, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Brussels sprouts 1 lb
Dried cranberries 1/2 cup
Slivered almonds 1/4 cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon
Honey 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Rinse and trim the Brussels sprouts, then slice them thinly or shred them using a food processor.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and slivered almonds.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss well to combine.
  5. Let the slaw sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy your delightful Autumn Brussels Sprouts Slaw!

Spiced Apple and Cabbage Slaw

autumn inspired apple cabbage slaw

Spiced Apple and Cabbage Slaw is a revitalizing and zesty salad that embodies the essence of autumn with its combination of crisp apples and crunchy cabbage. This slaw is elevated with warming spices and a lightly sweet dressing, making it an excellent side dish for fall gatherings or a light lunch. With its bright flavors and beautiful colors, this slaw is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients Quantity
Green cabbage 4 cups, shredded
Granny Smith apples 2, julienned
Carrot 1, grated
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons
Maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, julienned apples, and grated carrot.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to make sure everything is evenly coated.
  4. Allow the slaw to sit for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy your Spiced Apple and Cabbage Slaw!

Roasted Root Vegetable Slaw With Maple Vinaigrette

autumn roasted vegetable slaw

Roasted Root Vegetable Slaw With Maple Vinaigrette is a hearty and flavorful salad that highlights the rich, comforting flavors of autumn. Featuring a mix of roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets, this slaw is tossed in a delicious maple vinaigrette that adds a delightful sweetness. It’s perfect as a side dish for any fall meal or a nutritious lunch option.

Ingredients Quantity
Carrots 2, julienned
Parsnips 2, julienned
Beets 1, roasted and diced
Red cabbage 2 cups, shredded
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Maple syrup 2 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon
Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread julienned carrots and parsnips on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the roasted root vegetables, diced beets, and shredded red cabbage.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette.
  4. Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately or allow to sit for a bit to enhance flavors. Enjoy your Roasted Root Vegetable Slaw!

Thai-inspired Carrot and Cucumber Slaw

vibrant thai slaw recipe

Thai-inspired Carrot and Cucumber Slaw is a vibrant and invigorating salad that brings a burst of flavor and crunch to your autumn dinners. This slaw combines crisp carrots and cucumbers with a zesty dressing infused with Thai flavors like lime and fish sauce, making it a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats or a light meal on its own.

Ingredients Quantity
Carrots 3, julienned
Cucumbers 1, julienned
Red bell pepper 1, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro ¼ cup, chopped
Green onions 2, thinly sliced
Peanuts ¼ cup, chopped
Lime juice 2 tablespoons
Fish sauce 1 tablespoon
Honey 1 tablespoon
Sesame oil 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the julienned carrots, cucumbers, red bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, honey, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until thoroughly combined.
  4. Top with chopped peanuts for added crunch and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy your Thai-inspired Carrot and Cucumber Slaw!

Walnut and Pear Slaw With Blue Cheese

nutritious autumn salad delight

Walnut and Pear Slaw with Blue Cheese is a deliciously invigorating salad that combines the crispness of cabbage with the sweetness of ripe pears and the rich, tangy flavor of blue cheese. Perfect for autumn dinners, this slaw also features walnuts for added crunch and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying side dish.

Ingredients Quantity
Green cabbage 4 cups, shredded
Ripe pears 2, thinly sliced
Walnuts ½ cup, toasted and coarsely chopped
Blue cheese ½ cup, crumbled
Fresh parsley ¼ cup, chopped
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Honey 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, sliced pears, toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped parsley.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
  4. Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Enjoy your Walnut and Pear Slaw with Blue Cheese!

Savory Pumpkin and Chickpea Salad

autumn pumpkin chickpea salad

Savory Pumpkin and Chickpea Salad is a hearty and satisfying dish that perfectly embodies the flavors of autumn. This salad is packed with roasted pumpkin, nutty chickpeas, and a delightful mix of spices, making it a nourishing option for any fall dinner. With its vibrant colors and textures, this salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Ingredients Quantity
Pumpkin (cubed) 2 cups
Chickpeas (cooked or canned) 1 can (15 oz), drained
Red onion (thinly sliced) ½ medium
Fresh parsley (chopped) ¼ cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed pumpkin with olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then spread it on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the roasted pumpkin, chickpeas, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley.
  3. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Enjoy your Savory Pumpkin and Chickpea Salad!

Herb-Infused Quinoa and Kale Bowl

herb infused quinoa and kale

Herb-Infused Quinoa and Kale Bowl is a nourishing and flavorful dish that combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa, nutrient-rich kale, and a variety of fresh herbs. This bowl is perfect for a cozy autumn dinner, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors, while being packed with protein and vitamins. It serves as a great standalone meal or as a side dish.

Ingredients Quantity
Quinoa (dry) 1 cup
Kale (chopped) 2 cups
Fresh parsley (chopped) ¼ cup
Fresh cilantro (chopped) ¼ cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped kale and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it is wilted and tender.
  3. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, sautéed kale, parsley, and cilantro. Drizzle with lemon juice, season with salt and black pepper, and toss gently to mix. Serve warm and enjoy your Herb-Infused Quinoa and Kale Bowl!

BBQ Chicken Slaw Wraps

bbq chicken slaw wraps

BBQ Chicken Slaw Wraps are a delicious and easy-to-make autumn dish that brings together tender shredded chicken drizzled with BBQ sauce and crisp, fresh slaw wrapped in a tortilla. These wraps are ideal for a casual dinner or a delightful lunch, providing a satisfying mix of flavors and textures that celebrate the season.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked chicken (shredded) 2 cups
BBQ sauce ½ cup
Coleslaw mix 2 cups
Green onions (chopped) ¼ cup
Tortillas (large) 4
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, mixing until well coated.
  2. In a separate bowl, toss coleslaw mix with chopped green onions, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
  4. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture onto each tortilla, add a generous portion of the coleslaw, and roll them up tightly.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy your tasty BBQ Chicken Slaw Wraps!

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Tacos With Slaw

hearty vegetarian taco delight

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Tacos With Slaw are a vibrant and flavorful autumn dish, perfect for those who enjoy hearty vegetarian meals. The meaty texture of grilled Portobello mushrooms combined with a zesty slaw creates a satisfying taco that captures the essence of the season. These tacos are not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making them ideal for a casual dinner or a taco night with friends.

Ingredients Quantity
Portobello mushrooms (cleaned) 4 large
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Corn tortillas 8
Red cabbage (shredded) 2 cups
Carrots (shredded) 1 cup
Lime juice 2 tablespoons
Cilantro (chopped) ¼ cup
Avocado (sliced) 1 (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mixture over the Portobello mushrooms.
  3. Grill the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred. Remove from heat and slice.
  4. In another bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, carrots, lime juice, and cilantro. Toss to mix well.
  5. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for a few seconds on each side.
  6. Assemble the tacos by placing sliced mushrooms on each tortilla, topping with slaw, and adding avocado if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your Grilled Portobello Mushroom Tacos!

Moroccan-Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew

hearty lentil sweet potato stew

Moroccan-Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew is a warming and wholesome dish that embodies the essence of autumn. This hearty stew features protein-rich lentils and sweet potatoes, enhanced by fragrant Moroccan spices, making it a nourishing and satisfying meal that is perfect for chilly evenings. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors are sure to delight both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Sweet potatoes (peeled and diced) 2 medium
Onion (chopped) 1 large
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Carrot (diced) 1 medium
Celery (diced) 1 stalk
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Canned diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz)
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground coriander 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, cooking until the vegetables are soft.
  2. Stir in the ground cumin, cinnamon, and coriander, and cook for an additional minute to release the spices’ flavors.
  3. Add the lentils, sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, and canned tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
  4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
  5. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth of your Moroccan-Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew!

Hearty Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili

hearty fall chili recipe

Hearty Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili is a comforting and robust dish that perfectly captures the spirit of fall. This chili combines the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with the heartiness of black beans, all enriched with a medley of spices for a warm and satisfying meal. It’s an ideal choice for cool autumn evenings, providing a nourishing option for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Ingredients Quantity
Butternut squash (peeled and diced) 2 cups
Black beans (cooked or canned) 1 can (15 oz)
Onion (chopped) 1 large
Garlic (minced) 4 cloves
Bell pepper (diced) 1 large
Vegetable broth 3 cups
Canned diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz)
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Chili powder 2 teaspoons
Ground paprika 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, stirring until softened.
  2. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika, cooking for an additional minute.
  3. Add the diced butternut squash, black beans, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
  4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
  5. Serve hot, and enjoy the hearty flavors of your Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili!