Warm Roasted Autumn Harvest Salad
We’re halfway through October, and it’s the perfect time to indulge in hearty, nutritious meals that reflect the bounty of fall. This Warm Roasted Autumn Harvest Salad brings together some of the season’s most vibrant produce and nutrient-dense ingredients, offering both incredible flavor and a boost to your health. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal or a festive side dish, this salad is the ultimate autumn recipe.
What Makes This Salad So Special?
This salad isn’t just a feast for your taste buds—it’s also a powerhouse of nutrition, featuring ingredients that are at their peak during the fall months. Let’s dive into why each of these seasonal stars is so good for you:
- Butternut Squash: Rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, butternut squash is the perfect fall vegetable to boost your immune system as colder weather approaches. Its natural sweetness complements savory dishes and its fiber content supports digestive health. The roasting process caramelizes the edges, bringing out a nutty, rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
- Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate, all of which help support overall health and reduce inflammation. Roasting Brussels sprouts gives them a slightly crispy texture and enhances their natural earthiness, making them a perfect addition to this warm salad. Plus, they’re a cruciferous vegetable, known for their cancer-fighting properties.
- Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Apples are a quintessential autumn fruit, full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, particularly pectin, which helps regulate digestion. The crisp, slightly tart bite of the apples in this salad balances the savory roasted vegetables, creating a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
- Pecans: These nutrient-rich nuts are a great source of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. Toasting them enhances their natural sweetness and crunch, making them a satisfying and nourishing addition to the salad.
- Dried Cranberries: These tiny bursts of flavor not only add sweetness but also provide antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and phytonutrients, which help protect your body from free radicals. They also bring a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy pecans and fresh apples.
- Mixed Greens (Baby Kale, Arugula, Spinach): Leafy greens like baby kale, arugula, and spinach are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. They provide the perfect fresh base for this warm salad, offering both nutrition and a light, peppery flavor that complements the heartier roasted vegetables.
- Goat Cheese or Feta: For a creamy, tangy finish, goat cheese or feta adds a satisfying richness to the salad. In addition to the delicious flavor, these cheeses are a good source of protein and calcium, with goat cheese being easier to digest for those sensitive to lactose.
- The Dressing – Maple Syrup and Balsamic Vinegar: This simple yet flavorful dressing, made from maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, adds the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Maple syrup is a natural sweetener with antioxidants, and the balsamic vinegar aids digestion and adds a slight tang to tie the whole dish together.
Why Eat Seasonally?
Eating seasonally means your ingredients are at their peak in terms of freshness and nutritional value, especially if you buy from locally. Fall produce like butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and apples are harvested during this time of year, ensuring their full flavor and maximum nutrient density.
Plus, seasonal meals like this Warm Roasted Autumn Harvest Salad help you feel connected to the rhythms of nature, providing comfort and warmth as the weather cools.
How to Enjoy This Salad
This salad is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own as a light meal or as a side dish for any autumn gathering. The combination of warm roasted vegetables, crunchy pecans, crisp apples, and creamy cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. You can also make it ahead of time—just keep the dressing separate and toss it in when you’re ready to serve. You can also add your favorite protein like grilled salmon, chicken, lentils or beans to make a complete meal.
Enjoy the Flavors of Fall
With this Warm Roasted Autumn Harvest Salad, you’re not only indulging in a flavorful dish but also nourishing your body with seasonal, health-boosting ingredients. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the richness of autumn produce while supporting your wellness journey.
Warm Roasted Autumn Harvest Salad
Equipment
- baking sheet
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Skillet (for toasting pecans)
- Whisk (for the dressing)
- Knife (for chopping vegetables and apples)
- cutting board
- measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or salad servers (for tossing the salad)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts halved
- 1 large apple thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well)
- 1/2 cup pecans roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 4 cups mixed greens baby kale, arugula, or spinach
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Roast the Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cubed butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Toast the Pecans:
- In a small skillet, lightly toast the pecans over medium heat until they become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed greens with the warm roasted vegetables, sliced apple, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Top with crumbled goat cheese or feta for a creamy finish.
Serve:
- Serve the salad warm, enjoying the contrast of the roasted vegetables with the crisp apples and tangy dressing.
