Description
Fall Harvest Salad is a vibrant, nourishing celebration of autumn’s bounty, blending roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries with a tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, it balances sweet, savory, and tart flavors with an inviting array of textures. This easy-to-make salad embodies the warmth and comfort of fall while keeping things fresh and light.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch cinnamon or smoked paprika (optional)
- 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, kale)
- 1 large crisp apple, thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup goat cheese or feta, crumbled (optional)
2..Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon/paprika if using. Roast on a baking sheet for 25–30 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway through.
- Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients in a jar or bowl until emulsified.
- Slice apples and red onion thinly. Wash and dry greens.
- On a large platter or bowl, layer greens, roasted sweet potatoes, apples, red onion, nuts, cranberries, and cheese.
- Drizzle dressing evenly over salad just before serving. Toss gently and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute nuts with roasted pumpkin seeds or omit entirely.
- Massage kale with a little olive oil and salt before assembling if using as your green base.
- Dressing can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Shake well before using.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: Roasting and assembling
- Cuisine: American / Seasonal