Salad season doesn’t end when the weather cools down. Fall brings heartier greens, roasted vegetables, and crisp fruit that deserve just as much attention as summer tomatoes. These recipes prove a salad can hold its own as dinner or play backup next to a bigger main. They’re full of texture, flavor, and enough substance to keep you full through chilly evenings. Stock your kitchen with seasonal produce and a few pantry staples so these salads come together without a lot of effort.

A salad featuring arugula with crumbled cheese on a bed of roasted sweet potato slices, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Photo credit: The Honour System.
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Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Honey mustard chicken and brussels sprouts salad on plates.
Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shredded Brussels sprouts, crisp apples, and juicy pomegranate seeds mix with chicken in a creamy honey mustard dressing. It’s hearty and vibrant enough to serve as a complete fall dinner.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad

A bowl filled with broccoli, carrots and cranberries.
Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Maple roasted cranberries and butternut squash give broccoli a seasonal touch. Toasted croutons, almonds, and pepitas add crunch, making this salad great for fall potlucks or weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad

Roasted Koginut Squash Salad

A colorful dish of roasted squash slices on a bed of shredded greens, garnished with pomegranate seeds and pecans. The salad is vibrant and served on a dark, round plate.
Roasted Koginut Squash Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Koginut squash, a naturally sweet cross of butternut and kabocha, roasts beautifully with savory spices. Paired with fresh greens and simple toppings, it creates a rich salad that highlights the best flavors of fall.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Koginut Squash Salad

Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Avocado and cranberry salad.
Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy avocado, earthy lentils, and tart cranberries come together in a bright lemon Dijon dressing. It’s a hearty mix that holds up well for meal prep and makes a strong fall lunch or side when the weather cools.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon

A plate of shredded Brussels sprouts salad with cranberries and nuts, accompanied by a fork, placed on a wooden table with some whole Brussels sprouts in the background.
Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon. Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

Shredded Brussels sprouts and kale get a big flavor upgrade with crisp apple slices, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. The mix of crunchy greens and rich toppings makes this a standout for a fall dinner spread or even a holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon

Kimchi Salad

A salad bowl with shredded chicken, carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers, greens, sesame seeds, and dressing on a wooden table. Dressing is in a small pitcher beside the bowl.
Kimchi Salad. Photo credit: In the Kitch.

This salad layers spicy kimchi, crisp vegetables, and flaked tuna for a bold and quick dish. It’s ready in about 10 minutes and brings a punch of flavor that fits perfectly into a fall lunch rotation when you want something different from the usual greens.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Salad

Sweetgreen Peach and Goat Cheese Salad

A bowl of salad with sliced peaches, almonds, feta cheese, cucumber, mixed greens, and fresh mint leaves.
Sweetgreen Peach and Goat Cheese Salad. Photo credit: Let Us Munch Lettuce.

Sweet peaches and creamy goat cheese stretch late summer into fall with every bite. Tossed with cucumber, almonds, and fresh greens, it’s a fresh way to ease into cooler days while still getting that seasonal color and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Sweetgreen Peach and Goat Cheese Salad

Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

A bowl with grilled chicken, sweet potatoes, apples, goat cheese, wild rice, greens, and a dark-colored dressing.
Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl. Photo credit: Let Us Munch Lettuce.

This hearty bowl packs kale, roasted sweet potatoes, chicken, and crunchy almonds under a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It delivers a balanced fall meal that feels fresh while still giving the comfort you want on a cool night.
Get the Recipe: Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

Fall Harvest Chicken Salad

A salad with mixed greens, slices of chicken breast, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, and roasted vegetables on a white plate.
Fall Harvest Chicken Salad. Photo credit: The Fresh Cooky.

Smoked chicken, mixed greens, and seasonal fruit like apples or pears build a salad that’s easy to serve for a quick lunch or an easy weeknight dinner. The sweet and savory combination fits right in with autumn flavors.
Get the Recipe: Fall Harvest Chicken Salad

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

A white ceramic bowl filled with a colorful salad containing kale, chickpeas, carrots, red onions, and various other ingredients sits on a wooden table.
Sweet Potato Kale Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted sweet potatoes pair with pomegranate seeds and creamy feta over a base of kale. Finished with a pomegranate vinaigrette, it’s filling enough for lunch and makes a colorful addition to any fall table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

A wooden bowl filled with a mixed green salad, topped with sliced grilled steak, crumbled cheese, chopped yellow bell peppers, and black seeds. Various salads and a spoon are in the background.
Savoury Steak and Squash Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Tender slices of steak and roasted squash anchor this hearty salad. A maple apple dressing ties everything together for a fall dinner that feels special and keeps you full.
Get the Recipe: Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Autumn Salad with Chicken

A salad plate with sliced grilled chicken, kale, apple and pear slices, crumbled cheese, and sliced almonds, topped with a creamy dressing. A bowl of dressing, apple, pear, and a bowl of cheese are nearby.
Autumn Salad with Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Fresh greens, dried fruit, crunchy nuts, and juicy chicken make a balanced salad that works for a quick dinner or a packed lunch. The mustard balsamic dressing complements the seasonal produce and adds an easy depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Salad with Chicken

Easy Taboule Salad

Easy Taboule Salad. Photo credit: Mad Creations Hub.

Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and loads of herbs create a fresh base for this taboule, while a sprinkle of hemp seeds adds texture. It’s light but still robust enough to bring to fall potlucks or serve alongside heartier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Taboule Salad

Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

Chopped kale coated in a creamy tahini dressing makes a hearty salad that doubles as a main dish. Protein-rich ingredients keep it filling while the dressing brings a rich flavor that works well on cooler nights.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

Kale and Beet Salad with Roasted Carrots

Kale and Beet Salad with Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

Roasted beets and carrots mix with fresh kale for a salad full of color and earthy flavor. It’s easy to make ahead and stays crisp, which makes it great for busy weeknights or for setting out on a fall buffet.
Get the Recipe: Kale and Beet Salad with Roasted Carrots

Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Tart cranberries and fresh greens shine with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette. This salad works as a side for hearty fall dinners or as a light main course with bread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Roasted Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad

Roasted Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad. Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

Roasted pumpkin and beetroot pair with salty feta and crunchy pepitas, all coated in a maple vinaigrette. The mix of sweet and savory elements makes this an easy seasonal favorite for autumn dinners.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad

Harvest Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Harvest Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Quiche My Grits.

Honeycrisp apples, pears, sweet potatoes, and cranberries meet crispy bacon and toasted pecans under a sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing. It’s a fall salad that easily stands out on a dinner table or holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Delish Arugula Spinach Salad

Delish Arugula Spinach Salad. Photo credit: Sunglow Kitchen.

Creamy avocado, shaved parmesan, and crunchy sunflower seeds come together on a base of arugula and spinach. The tangy sumac dressing gives it brightness and makes it versatile for weekday lunches or fall dinner sides.
Get the Recipe: Delish Arugula Spinach Salad

Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Veggie Inspired.

Roasted butternut squash and fluffy quinoa mix with spinach and diced apples for a dish that feels like autumn in every bite. It’s easy enough for a quick dinner but still looks great on a weekend gathering table.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

Warm Spinach Salad

Warm Spinach Salad. Photo credit: Craving Something Healthy.

Baby spinach wilts slightly under the heat of caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms, while crispy bacon and hard-boiled eggs add richness. A maple mustard dressing brings it together for a hearty salad perfect on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Warm Spinach Salad

Harvest Salad with Smoked Chicken

Harvest Salad with Smoked Chicken. Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

Smoked chicken combines with juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and tender butter lettuce. A maple Dijon vinaigrette adds a bold touch, making it a solid option for a fall lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad with Smoked Chicken

Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese

Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Peppery arugula mixes with roasted sweet potatoes and tangy goat cheese for a salad that’s full of fall color and flavor. It’s quick to assemble and works as either a side or a light main dish.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese

A woman in a denim jacket sitting in a kitchen, with a sidebar nearby.
Founder and Writer at  | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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