11 Sweet & Crunchy Autumn Salad Dinners

autumn salad dinner ideas

Apple and Walnut Salad With Maple Vinaigrette

autumn apple walnut salad

Autumn Salad Dinners are a delightful way to embrace the season’s harvest. The Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette combines crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and fresh greens, creating a rejuvenating and nourishing dish perfect for a cozy dinner. The homemade maple vinaigrette adds a sweet and tangy touch that complements the flavors beautifully.

Ingredients Quantity
Mixed greens 4 cups
Apples (thinly sliced) 2 medium
Walnuts (chopped) 1/2 cup
Feta cheese (crumbled) 1/3 cup
Dried cranberries 1/4 cup
Maple syrup 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, chopped walnuts, feta, and dried cranberries.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the vinaigrette.
  3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy your autumn-inspired salad dinner!
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Pear and Gorgonzola Salad With Candied Pecans

autumn pear gorgonzola salad

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans is a perfect homage to autumn’s bounty. This salad balances the sweetness of ripe pears with the tangy flavor of Gorgonzola cheese and the crunch of candied pecans, making it a deliciously satisfying dish for any dinner table. It’s an elegant mix of flavors and textures that captures the essence of fall.

Ingredients Quantity
Mixed greens 4 cups
Pears (sliced) 2 medium
Gorgonzola cheese (crumbled) 1/2 cup
Candied pecans 1/3 cup
Dried cranberries 1/4 cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons
Honey 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola, candied pecans, and dried cranberries.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful autumn salad!
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Roasted Beet Salad With Goat Cheese and Arugula

vibrant roasted beet salad

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Arugula is a vibrant and nutritious dish that beautifully highlights the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, paired with the creamy tang of goat cheese and the peppery bite of arugula. This salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with essential nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your autumn dinner table.

Ingredients Quantity
Beets 3 medium
Goat cheese (crumbled) 1/2 cup
Arugula 4 cups
Walnuts (toasted) 1/3 cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons
Honey 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap beets in aluminum foil and roast for about 45-60 minutes until tender. Let them cool, then peel and slice.
  2. In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, sliced beets, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper for the dressing.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately. Enjoy this colorful and hearty autumn salad!
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Spinach Salad With Pomegranate Seeds and Toasted Almonds

autumn spinach salad delight

Spinach Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Toasted Almonds is a delightful autumn dish that captures the essence of the season with its vibrant colors and invigorating flavors. The combination of fresh spinach, sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, and crunchy toasted almonds creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it an ideal accompaniment to a hearty dinner or a light lunch.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh spinach 6 cups
Pomegranate seeds 1 cup
Toasted sliced almonds 1/2 cup
Feta cheese (crumbled) 1/2 cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons
Honey 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, add fresh spinach and top with pomegranate seeds, toasted sliced almonds, and crumbled feta cheese.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, gently toss to combine, and serve immediately. Enjoy this invigorating and nutritious fall salad!
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Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad With Cranberries

autumn sweet potato quinoa salad

Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad with Cranberries is a wholesome and satisfying autumn dish that brings together the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and the nutty flavors of quinoa, paired with tart cranberries for a delightful burst of flavor. This salad can serve as a filling main course or a vibrant side dish, perfect for any fall gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes (cubed) 2 medium
Quinoa 1 cup
Vegetable broth (or water) 2 cups
Dried cranberries 1/2 cup
Spinach or arugula 2 cups
Red onion (thinly sliced) 1 small
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Pumpkin seeds (optional) 1/4 cup

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. Meanwhile, rinse the quinoa under cold water, then cook it in vegetable broth (or water) according to package instructions.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, spinach or arugula, and red onion.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, then season with salt and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
  5. If desired, sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top before serving. Enjoy your vibrant and nutritious Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad!
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Kale Salad With Apples, Bacon, and Sunflower Seeds

kale salad with apples

Kale Salad with Apples, Bacon, and Sunflower Seeds is a hearty and flavorful autumn dish that combines the robust texture of kale with the crisp sweetness of apples and the savory richness of crispy bacon. This salad makes for a delightful main course or a satisfying side, brightened up with the nutty crunch of sunflower seeds. Perfect for fall gatherings, it encapsulates the essence of the season in every bite.

Ingredients Quantity
Kale (stems removed and chopped) 6 cups
Apples (sliced, preferably tart) 2 medium
Cooked bacon (crumbled) 4 slices
Sunflower seeds (roasted) 1/4 cup
Red onion (thinly sliced) 1/2 small
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons
Maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, sliced apples, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
  4. Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to soften the kale before serving. Enjoy your delicious Kale Salad with Apples, Bacon, and Sunflower Seeds!
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Endive Salad With Oranges and Pistachios

endive salad with oranges

Endive Salad with Oranges and Pistachios is a rejuvenating autumn dish that beautifully balances the slight bitterness of endive with the sweet juiciness of oranges. The crunch of toasted pistachios adds a delightful texture, while a simple vinaigrette enhances the flavors, making this salad a light yet satisfying option for fall dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients Quantity
Endive (sliced thin) 4 cups
Oranges (peeled and segmented) 2 medium
Pistachios (shelled and chopped) 1/3 cup
Red onion (thinly sliced) 1/4 small
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
White wine vinegar 2 tablespoons
Honey 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced endive, orange segments, chopped pistachios, and red onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
  4. Serve immediately for a fresh, vibrant salad that highlights the flavors of autumn. Enjoy your Endive Salad with Oranges and Pistachios!
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Brussels Sprout Salad With Dried Cherries and Feta

brussels sprout cherry feta salad

Brussels Sprout Salad with Dried Cherries and Feta is a deliciously satisfying autumn dish that combines the nutty crunch of raw Brussels sprouts with the sweet-tart flavor of dried cherries. Tangy feta cheese adds creaminess, while a light vinaigrette ties all the flavors together making this salad a perfect complement to any fall meal or gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Brussels sprouts (thinly sliced) 4 cups
Dried cherries 1/2 cup
Feta cheese (crumbled) 3/4 cup
Red onion (thinly sliced) 1/4 small
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons
Maple syrup 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced Brussels sprouts, dried cherries, crumbled feta cheese, and red onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to incorporate all ingredients.
  4. Serve immediately, or let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your Brussels Sprout Salad with Dried Cherries and Feta!
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Arugula Salad With Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Seeds

autumn arugula salad recipe

Arugula Salad with Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Seeds is a vibrant and nutritious autumn dish that showcases the earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash paired with the peppery flavor of fresh arugula. Topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds and dressed in a light vinaigrette, this salad makes for a perfect side or a light meal during the fall season.

Ingredients Quantity
Arugula 6 cups
Butternut squash (peeled and cubed) 2 cups
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Pumpkin seeds 1/3 cup
Maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Parmesan cheese (shaved) 1/4 cup (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, and spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the arugula and roasted butternut squash.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of salt and pepper.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Top with pumpkin seeds and shaved Parmesan cheese, if using.
  5. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Arugula Salad with Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Seeds!
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Harvest Grain Salad With Apples and Dried Figs

autumn grain salad delight

Harvest Grain Salad with Apples and Dried Figs is a wholesome and hearty dish perfect for the autumn season. This salad combines a medley of grains with the crisp sweetness of fresh apples and the chewy texture of dried figs, resulting in a nourishing meal that celebrates the flavors of fall. It’s great as a main course or served as a side dish at any gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Quinoa (or farro) 1 cup
Water or vegetable broth 2 cups
Fresh apples (diced) 2 (medium)
Dried figs (chopped) 1/2 cup
Spinach or mixed greens 4 cups
Red onion (thinly sliced) 1/2 (medium)
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons
Honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Crumbled feta cheese (optional) 1/2 cup

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the grains (quinoa or farro) under cold water, then cook them in boiling water or vegetable broth according to package instructions until tender. Drain and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked grains, diced apples, chopped dried figs, spinach or mixed greens, and red onion.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and a dash of salt and pepper to create the dressing.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
  5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a brief period before serving. Enjoy your Harvest Grain Salad with Apples and Dried Figs!

Mixed Greens Salad With Roasted Carrots and Balsamic Glaze

roasted carrot mixed greens

Mixed Greens Salad with Roasted Carrots and Balsamic Glaze is a vibrant and colorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of caramelized carrots alongside fresh greens. This salad brings together various textures and flavors, creating a delightful balance that is both satisfying and invigorating—making it a perfect choice for an autumn dinner or a light lunch.

Ingredients Quantity
Carrots (peeled and sliced) 4 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Mixed greens (spinach, arugula) 6 cups
Balsamic glaze 1/4 cup
Feta cheese (crumbled, optional) 1/2 cup
Walnuts or pecans (chopped, optional) 1/4 cup

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss sliced carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet.
  2. Roast the carrots in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, tossing halfway through for even cooking.
  3. While the carrots are roasting, prepare a large bowl with mixed greens.
  4. Once the carrots are done, allow them to cool slightly before adding them to the greens.
  5. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad, toss gently, and top with crumbled feta and chopped nuts if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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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.