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.

Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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.










