Cozy Autumn Harvest Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Introduction

When autumn leaves begin to fall, our kitchens come alive with seasonal produce. First and foremost, this harvest salad recipe celebrates the best flavors that fall has to offer. As the weather cools down, we naturally crave dishes that provide comfort while still delivering nutrition. Therefore, I’m excited to share my favorite autumn harvest salad recipe that perfectly balances hearty and refreshing elements.

This harvest salad recipe combines roasted root vegetables, crisp apples, nutty grains, and a maple dressing that will have you making this dish on repeat throughout the season. Not only is it visually stunning, but also packed with nutrients to support your health as temperatures drop.

Why You’ll Love This Harvest Salad Recipe

To begin with, this harvest salad recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adapt it based on what you have in your pantry or what looks fresh at your local farmer’s market. Furthermore, it stores well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.

In addition, this harvest salad recipe offers:

• A beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors
• Multiple textures from crisp apples to tender roasted vegetables
• A nutritional powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber
• An impressive dish for gatherings that’s surprisingly simple to make

Key Ingredients for Your Harvest Salad

First of all, selecting seasonal ingredients ensures the best flavor for your harvest salad recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

Base Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed greens (kale, arugula, spinach)
• 1 cup cooked farro or quinoa (cooled)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 small butternut squash
• 2 firm apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully)

For Added Texture and Flavor

• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup pepitas or chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary)

Maple Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

Let’s begin with the roasting process, which brings out the natural sweetness in your vegetables.

1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. Next, peel and cube the sweet potatoes and butternut squash into 1-inch pieces.

3. Then, toss the cubed vegetables with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs.

4. Subsequently, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized at the edges. Turn them halfway through for even cooking.

5. Meanwhile, prepare your dressing by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. After that, core and dice the apples into ½-inch cubes. Toss immediately with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.

7. Once the roasted vegetables have cooled slightly, assemble your salad by placing the mixed greens in a large bowl.

8. Furthermore, layer on the cooked grains, roasted vegetables, and diced apples.

9. Finally, sprinkle with dried cranberries, nuts, and goat cheese if using. Drizzle with the maple dressing just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Above all, this harvest salad recipe shines as both a main dish or side. For instance, you can serve it:

• As a standalone lunch with a slice of crusty bread
• Alongside roast chicken or turkey for a complete meal
• At your Thanksgiving table as a refreshing counterpoint to heavier dishes
• In mason jars for portable lunches throughout the week

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Harvest Salad

Importantly, there are a few tricks to make this harvest salad recipe truly exceptional:

1. Consequently, don’t overcrowd your roasting pan – vegetables need space to caramelize properly.
2. Similarly, cool your roasted vegetables before adding them to the greens to prevent wilting.
3. Besides, you can prepare components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
4. As a result, massaging tougher greens like kale with a bit of olive oil and salt softens them beautifully.
5. In contrast to pre-made dressings, this homemade maple vinaigrette brings fresh, preservative-free flavor.

Seasonal Variations

Although this autumn harvest salad recipe is perfect for fall, you can adapt it year-round:

• Winter: Swap apples for citrus segments and add roasted beets
• Spring: Use tender asparagus, peas, and strawberries with fresh herbs
• Summer: Incorporate stone fruits, grilled corn, and cucumber

Health Benefits

Because of the diverse ingredients in this harvest salad recipe, you’ll enjoy numerous health benefits:

• Sweet potatoes and butternut squash provide beta-carotene and vitamin A
• Leafy greens offer iron, calcium, and folate
• Whole grains deliver fiber and steady energy
• Nuts and seeds contribute healthy fats and protein

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover harvest salad, store it properly for maximum freshness:

1. Preferably, keep dressing separate until serving.
2. However, if already dressed, the salad will keep for 1-2 days refrigerated.
3. Meanwhile, store undressed components separately for 3-4 days.
4. Additionally, the dressing stays fresh in a sealed container for up to a week.

Why This Harvest Salad Recipe Stands Out

In conclusion, what makes this harvest salad recipe special is its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrition. Not only does it celebrate seasonal produce, but also creates a satisfying meal that nourishes your body during the transitional autumn months.

The magic happens when the sweet caramelized vegetables meet the tangy maple dressing, complemented by the crunch of fresh apples and toasted nuts. Each bite offers something new to discover, making this harvest salad a dish you’ll return to throughout the season.

Lastly, I’d love to hear how you personalized this harvest salad recipe! Share your variations in the comments below.