Fall Harvest Steak Salad

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Celebrate the flavors of autumn with this vibrant Fall Harvest Steak Salad. Featuring juicy grilled steak, mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and toasted pecans, this hearty salad is perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering. Drizzled with a maple-balsamic vinaigrette, it's a delightful balance of savory and sweet that embodies the essence of fall.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-10-29T05:54:45.311Z

This Fall Harvest Steak Salad brings together the quintessential flavors of autumn...

A Cozy Autumn Dish

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like a hearty salad that embodies the very essence of fall. The Fall Harvest Steak Salad not only showcases seasonal ingredients but also provides a warm, comforting meal perfect for dinner after a long day. Each bite captures the rich, earthy flavors of roasted butternut squash and the sweetness of cranberries, making it a delightful experience for your palate.

This salad sets the stage for simpler, yet elegant meals that can impress friends and family. With its vibrant colors and contrasting textures, it becomes the centerpiece of any autumn gathering. The combination of grilled steak and fresh greens adds a welcome heartiness, ensuring you leave the table satisfied and content.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only is this Fall Harvest Steak Salad a feast for the senses, but it's also packed with nutritional benefits. The mixed greens provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and C, while the roasted butternut squash is rich in fiber and antioxidants. This makes the salad a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while indulging in comfort food.

The addition of nuts, especially pecans, offers healthy fats and protein, contributing to heart health and satiety. When paired with the lean protein from the grilled steak, this dish fuels your body with all the nutrients it needs to thrive during the busy autumn season.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you are hosting a festive dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, this salad caters to all occasions. Its vibrant presentation and unique flavor profile make it suitable for both casual gatherings and more formal dining settings. Additionally, it can be easily adapted to accommodate a variety of dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients; try adding roasted apples for an extra sweetness or substituting the steak with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. The versatility of this salad ensures that it can remain a staple in your autumn menu.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

2 grilled steaks, sliced
4 cups mixed greens
1 cup roasted butternut squash, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the best flavors, allow the roasted squash to cool slightly before adding it to the salad.

Instructions

Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. Gradually add olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Grill the Steak

Season the steaks with salt and pepper. Grill on medium-high heat for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Let rest before slicing.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and pecans. Top with sliced steak and drizzle with the vinaigrette.

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Serving and Storing Tips

For the best experience, serve the Fall Harvest Steak Salad immediately after assembly. This ensures that the greens stay crisp and fresh while the warm steak adds a comforting warmth. If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep the vinaigrette in a separate jar to prevent the greens from wilting.

When ready to eat the leftovers, simply reheat the steak or enjoy it cold, and mix with fresh greens and other ingredients. This makes it a convenience meal you can enjoy not just once, but multiple times throughout the week.

Pairing Suggestions

To enhance your dining experience, consider pairing your Fall Harvest Steak Salad with a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir or a medium-bodied white like Chardonnay. The fruity and earthy notes of these wines complement the flavors in the salad beautifully, creating a harmonious balance on the palate.

For a non-alcoholic beverage, a sparkling apple cider or a pumpkin-spiced iced tea would perfectly echo the fall theme while refreshing your palate. No matter what you choose, these pairings will elevate your dinner to a new level of enjoyment.

More Seasonal Recipes

If you love the flavors of this Fall Harvest Steak Salad, consider exploring more autumn-inspired dishes that celebrate the season's bounty. Recipes featuring root vegetables, hearty grains, and seasonal fruits can be just as delightful. Dishes such as creamy pumpkin soup or roasted vegetable pasta are perfect companions to your salad for a complete autumn meal.

Don’t forget about desserts! An apple crisp or spiced pecan pie can be the perfect sweet ending to your fall dining experience, leaving you and your guests feeling satisfied.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just assemble the salad right before serving to keep it fresh.