11 Protein-Packed Fall Salads for Fitness

nutritious autumn salad recipes

Roasted Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad

sweet potato quinoa salad

Roasted Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad is a nutritious and vibrant dish that combines the earthiness of sweet potatoes with the protein-packed goodness of quinoa. This salad is perfect for a fall meal, bursting with flavors and colors that evoke the season, making it not only a satisfying dish but also a beautiful one to serve.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes 2 medium, cubed
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Quinoa 1 cup
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Black beans 1 can (15 oz), rinsed and drained
Red bell pepper 1 medium, diced
Red onion 1 small, diced
Fresh cilantro ¼ cup, chopped
Lime juice 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
  2. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
  3. In a large bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes, cooked quinoa, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
  4. Drizzle lime juice over the salad, add cumin, and mix well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Serve warm or chilled, and enjoy the hearty flavors of this fall-inspired dish!
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Apple Spinach Salad With Grilled Chicken

apple spinach chicken salad

Apple Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken is a revitalizing and protein-rich dish that combines the crispness of fresh spinach with the sweetness of apples and the satisfying addition of grilled chicken. This salad is perfect for a light yet filling meal during the fall, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh spinach 4 cups
Grilled chicken breast 1, sliced
Apples (preferably tart) 2, thinly sliced
Red onion ¼ medium, thinly sliced
Walnuts ½ cup, chopped
Feta cheese ½ cup, crumbled
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons
Honey 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced apples, red onion, walnuts, and feta cheese.
  3. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
  4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy this tasty fall-inspired dish!
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Kale Salad With Chickpeas and Pumpkin Seeds

kale chickpeas pumpkin seeds salad

Kale Salad with Chickpeas and Pumpkin Seeds is a nutritious and hearty dish that celebrates the earthy flavors of fall. This salad features tender kale, protein-rich chickpeas, and crunchy pumpkin seeds, making it a robust meal that is both satisfying and packed with essential nutrients. It’s an excellent choice for a wholesome lunch or dinner option.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh kale 4 cups, chopped
Canned chickpeas 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Pumpkin seeds ½ cup
Cherry tomatoes 1 cup, halved
Red onion ¼ medium, thinly sliced
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, drained chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
  4. Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld before serving. Enjoy!
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Beet and Feta Salad With Walnuts

vibrant beet feta salad

Beet and Feta Salad With Walnuts is a vibrant and nutritious dish that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of fall. The earthy sweetness of roasted beets pairs beautifully with tangy feta cheese and crunchy walnuts, making for a satisfying and protein-packed meal. This salad is not only visually appealing with its rich colors but also offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for a light lunch or festive dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh beets 3 medium, roasted and diced
Feta cheese ¾ cup, crumbled
Walnuts ½ cup, toasted and roughly chopped
Baby spinach 4 cups
Red onion ¼ medium, thinly sliced
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the beets until tender, approximately 45-60 minutes. Let them cool, then peel and dice.
  2. In a large bowl, combine roasted beets, crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, baby spinach, and sliced red onion.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Harvest Grain Bowl With Turkey and Cranberries

hearty fall grain bowl

Harvest Grain Bowl With Turkey and Cranberries is a hearty and wholesome dish that embodies the flavors of fall, combining protein-rich turkey, nutty grains, and the sweetness of dried cranberries. This grain bowl is perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner, providing a well-balanced meal that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients Quantity
Quinoa or farro 1 cup, cooked
Ground turkey 1 pound
Onion 1 small, diced
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Dried cranberries ½ cup
Spinach or kale 2 cups, chopped
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup
Salt and pepper To taste
Pumpkin seeds (optional) ¼ cup, for topping

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the dried cranberries and broth, cooking until heated through.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked grains with the turkey mixture and chopped spinach or kale.
  5. Serve warm and top with pumpkin seeds if desired. Enjoy!
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Brussels Sprouts Salad With Bacon and Almonds

brussels sprouts salad recipe

Brussels Sprouts Salad With Bacon and Almonds is a delightful fall-inspired dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures. The crispy bacon, crunchy almonds, and earthy Brussels sprouts come together for a nutritious and satisfying salad, making it an excellent choice for both a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Brussels sprouts 1 pound, trimmed and halved
Bacon 4 slices, chopped
Sliced almonds ½ cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon
Honey 1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper To taste
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) ¼ cup, for topping

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the halved Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until tender and golden brown.
  2. While the sprouts are roasting, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of olive oil to create a dressing.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and sliced almonds. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat.
  5. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
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Pear and Blue Cheese Salad With Chicken

pear blue cheese salad

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad With Chicken is a rejuvenating and hearty fall salad that melds the sweet and juicy flavors of ripe pears with the tangy richness of blue cheese, complemented by succulent grilled chicken. This salad is perfect for a nutritious lunch or a light dinner, offering a satisfying balance of protein and vibrant seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients Quantity
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2, grilled and sliced
Mixed greens 4 cups
Ripe pears 2, cored and sliced
Crumbled blue cheese ½ cup
Chopped walnuts ¼ cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill them over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let them rest before slicing.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, and walnuts.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create the dressing.
  4. Toss the salad with the dressing and top with the sliced grilled chicken.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors!
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Lentil and Roasted Vegetable Salad

lentil vegetable salad recipe

Lentil and Roasted Vegetable Salad is a nutritious and hearty dish that highlights the earthy flavors of lentils paired with the sweetness of roasted vegetables. This salad is a perfect blend of textures and colors, making it not only delicious but visually appealing as well. It’s high in protein and fiber, making it an ideal dish for a filling lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Green lentils 1 cup, rinsed
Carrots 2, diced
Bell peppers (any color) 2, diced
Zucchini 1, diced
Red onion 1, sliced
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, then roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. In a separate pot, cook the lentils according to package instructions until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain any excess water.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, roasted vegetables, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Toss to combine.
  4. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful, protein-packed meal!
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Shrimp and Avocado Salad With Citrus Dressing

shrimp avocado salad recipe

Shrimp and Avocado Salad With Citrus Dressing is a invigorating and vibrant dish that perfectly combines the sweetness of shrimp and the creaminess of avocado. This salad is not only packed with protein but also bursting with flavor thanks to the zesty citrus dressing. It makes a great light meal or a wonderful side dish for any fall gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked shrimp 1 pound, peeled and deveined
Ripe avocados 2, diced
Cherry tomatoes 1 cup, halved
Red onion 1 small, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro ¼ cup, chopped
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons
Fresh orange juice 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, salt, and black pepper to create the citrus dressing.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked shrimp, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
  3. Drizzle the citrus dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocados.
  4. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  5. Serve immediately for a invigorating, protein-packed salad!
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Farro Salad With Roasted Root Vegetables

farro salad with vegetables

Farro Salad With Roasted Root Vegetables is a wholesome and hearty dish that highlights the nutty flavor of farro combined with the sweetness of seasonal root vegetables. This salad is not only nutritious but also a celebration of fall’s bounty, making it a perfect side dish or main course for any autumn meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Farro 1 cup, rinsed
Carrots 2 medium, diced
Parsnips 2 medium, diced
Sweet potatoes 1 medium, diced
Red onion 1 small, diced
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Fresh thyme 1 tablespoon, chopped
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Feta cheese (optional) ½ cup, crumbled
Fresh parsley ¼ cup, chopped

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and red onion with olive oil, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the farro according to package instructions until tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
  3. Once the vegetables are roasted, combine them with the cooked farro in a large bowl. Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley, if using.
  4. Toss gently to combine and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Serve warm or at room temperature for a nourishing, protein-packed fall salad!

Cabbage and Carrot Slaw With Grilled Tofu

crispy slaw with grilled tofu

Cabbage and Carrot Slaw With Grilled Tofu is a vibrant and healthy dish that combines crunchy vegetables with the satisfying protein of grilled tofu. This invigorating slaw is perfect as a side or a light lunch, making it an ideal choice for fall gatherings when you want to incorporate seasonal flavors in a lighter yet nutritious way.

Ingredients Quantity
Green cabbage 4 cups, shredded
Carrots 2 large, julienned
Red bell pepper 1 cup, sliced
Green onions 2, chopped
Cilantro ¼ cup, chopped
Firm tofu 1 block (14 oz), pressed
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Soy sauce 2 tablespoons
Lime juice 2 tablespoons
Honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cut the tofu into thick slices, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Grill for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and heated through.
  2. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and cilantro.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, and any remaining olive oil. Pour dressing over the slaw and toss to combine.
  4. Once the tofu is grilled, cut it into cubes and add it to the slaw. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a short time to let the flavors meld. Enjoy this delightful, protein-packed fall slaw!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.