Print

Autumn Harvest Salad Recipe

Autumn Harvest Salad Recipe

4.8 from 24 reviews

A vibrant and wholesome Autumn Harvest Salad featuring mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, crisp apple slices, dried cranberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a hearty side dish during the fall season.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed greens
  • 1 cup roasted butternut squash cubes
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Arrange 2 cups of fresh mixed greens evenly on a large serving platter or in a salad bowl to create a vibrant foundation for the salad.
  2. Add roasted butternut squash: Evenly distribute 1 cup of roasted butternut squash cubes over the greens, adding warmth and sweetness to the dish.
  3. Layer apple slices: Thinly slice 1 crisp apple and scatter the slices atop the squash and greens, contributing a fresh and tart contrast.
  4. Sprinkle dried cranberries: Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries for bursts of chewy texture and natural sweetness throughout the salad.
  5. Add goat cheese and walnuts: Crumble 1/4 cup goat cheese over the salad to introduce creamy tanginess, then sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for crunch and nutty flavor.
  6. Dress the salad: Drizzle 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the assembled ingredients just before serving to tie all the flavors together without sogginess.

Notes

  • For best flavor, roast the butternut squash with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper prior to assembling the salad.
  • You can substitute goat cheese with feta cheese if preferred.
  • Walnuts can be toasted lightly to enhance their nuttiness.
  • Use a crisp apple variety like Granny Smith or Fuji for optimal texture and taste.
  • The vinaigrette can be homemade or store-bought; adjust quantity to taste.
  • This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the greens and apples.

Nutrition

Keywords: Autumn salad, butternut squash salad, fall recipes, mixed greens salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad