Fall Harvest Salad w/ Butternut Squash and Apple

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Savor the flavors of autumn with this vibrant Fall Harvest Salad featuring roasted butternut squash and crisp apples. Tossed with mixed greens, toasted pecans, and a honey-balsamic dressing, this nutritious salad is perfect as a side dish or a light main course. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, this salad captures the essence of the season and is sure to impress your guests.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-10-29T05:54:45.478Z

This salad embraces the beauty and flavor of fall, bringing warmth and festive spirit to your table.

        Why You'll Love This Salad
        Colorful and vibrant ingredients
Nutritious and healthy
Perfect for gatherings or cozy meals

      

The Perfect Fall Dish

As autumn settles in, we start to crave hearty flavors and comforting textures. This Fall Harvest Salad w/ Butternut Squash and Apple beautifully combines the best of the season with its colorful ingredients. The roasted butternut squash provides a warm sweetness that complements the tartness of fresh apples. This balance of flavors makes this salad adaptable for various occasions, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an elegant autumn gathering.

What sets this salad apart is not just its bold flavors but also its nutrient-rich profile. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, the mixed greens offer a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the roasted elements. Adding toasted pecans gives the dish a delightful crunch while providing healthy fats and protein. This salad helps you embrace the bounty of fall in a nutritious way.

Versatile for Any Occasion

This Fall Harvest Salad is incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy it in various settings. Serve it as a vibrant side dish to your holiday turkey or feature it as a light main course alongside grilled chicken or quinoa for a satisfying vegetarian meal. The ability to customize ingredient proportions ensures that it caters to everyone’s taste while maintaining its seasonal charm.

For those looking to elevate the dish, consider adding additional toppings such as dried cranberries or pumpkin seeds for a flavor boost. You can also experiment with different cheeses beyond feta, such as goat cheese or blue cheese, to find your perfect flavor combination. The adaptability of this salad ensures that it remains a staple in your recipe repertoire during the fall months.

Storing and Prepping Ahead

One of the great benefits of the Fall Harvest Salad is that many of its elements can be prepared in advance. You can roast the butternut squash ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it easy to whip up the salad on busy weekdays or when entertaining guests on the weekend. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the greens.

To keep things even simpler, consider prepping a larger batch of the salad ingredients – mixed greens, sliced apples, and pecans – and portion them in airtight containers. This allows you to easily assemble the salad throughout the week, providing a delicious and healthy meal option at your fingertips. Not only will it save you time, but it will also keep you on track with your health goals during the bustling seasons ahead.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 apples, cored and sliced
5 cups mixed greens
1/2 cup toasted pecans
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)

Honey-Balsamic Dressing

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix these ingredients together for a delightful taste of autumn.

Instructions

Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, sliced apples, and toasted pecans. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

Serve

Enjoy immediately as a side dish or a light main course, garnished with feta cheese if desired.

This delicious salad can be served warm or cold.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad isn't just visually appealing; it's also packed with nutritional benefits. Butternut squash is high in vitamins A and C, contributing to healthy skin and immune function. The apples add fiber and antioxidants, which support overall health and digestion. Together, these ingredients create a dish that's both wholesome and delicious. With the addition of mixed greens, you’re ensuring your body gets a wide array of nutrients.

Furthermore, pecans are a fantastic source of healthy fats that promote heart health. They provide a satisfying crunch while enhancing the nutrient profile of this dish. By enjoying this salad, you're not only indulging in fantastic flavors but also nurturing your body with essential vitamins and minerals.

Recipe Variations

While the classic recipe is outstanding as is, feel free to get creative! Consider adding roasted sweet potatoes alongside the butternut squash for an extra layer of delicious flavor. Pears can be swapped in for apples for a different sweet twist, or try using walnuts instead of pecans for a unique texture. This flexibility allows you to personalize the recipe to suit your tastes and those of your guests.

If you’re looking for a protein boost, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even a sprinkle of quinoa. This way, the salad can easily transition from a side dish to a satisfying main course. The key is to enjoy experimenting while ensuring that the ingredients celebrate the seasonal harvest.