Autumn Harvest Salad Recipe
A vibrant and nutritious Autumn Harvest Salad combining fresh mixed greens with sweet roasted butternut squash, crisp apple slices, tangy dried cranberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with a rich balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for a light and seasonal meal that captures the flavors of fall.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (for roasting butternut squash)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 2 cups mixed greens
Toppings
- 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
- Prepare the base: Arrange the 2 cups of mixed greens evenly on a large serving platter or bowl, creating a fresh and vibrant foundation for the salad.
- Add roasted butternut squash: Distribute 1 cup of roasted butternut squash cubes evenly over the mixed greens, adding warm, sweet flavor and a tender texture.
- Layer apple slices: Thinly slice 1 apple and arrange the slices over the salad, providing a crisp and juicy contrast to the squash.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries: Scatter 1/4 cup of dried cranberries across the salad to introduce sweetness and chewy texture.
- Add goat cheese and walnuts: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled goat cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts on top for creaminess and crunch, balancing the flavor profile.
- Drizzle dressing: Just before serving, drizzle 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad to tie all ingredients together with a tangy and flavorful finish.
Notes
- Roast the butternut squash in advance for convenience—toss cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Walnuts can be toasted to enhance their flavor before adding to the salad.
- Use any apple variety you prefer, such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith, depending on your desired sweetness or tartness.
- Store leftovers separately to prevent the greens from wilting due to the dressing.
Keywords: Autumn Harvest Salad, butternut squash salad, fall salad recipe, mixed greens salad, healthy fall recipes, vegetarian autumn salad
Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/autumn-harvest-salad-recipe/
