18 Delicious Fall Salads

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These delicious fall salads are packed with seasonal produce like crisp apples, squash, kale and more! Take advantage of the autumn harvest with these salad recipes.

I’m sure you know by now that I’m a little salad obsessed, but fall just might be my favorite season of all for salads.

This time of year brings hearty greens like kale and arugula, sweet and crisp apples, juicy pears and colorful root veggies that roast up beautifully. Add in seasonal favorites like roasted squash, figs or dried cranberries and you’ve got a salad that feels cozy, satisfying and full of flavor.

That’s why I’ve pulled together some of my favorite fall salad recipes for you to try this season.

Photo collage of a pear barley salad, harvest salad, sweet kale salad and beet salad.
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Diet Preference Key

DF = Dairy-free | GF = Gluten-free | V = Vegan | VG = Vegetarian

*Any recipe labeled V is also dairy-free.

Fall Salad Recipes You’ll Love

Plate with a fuji apple chicken salad. Two forks, pepitas, apples, tomatoes and gorgonzola are sprinkled around the plate.

Fuji Apple Salad GF

This salad comes together with grilled chicken, crisp apples and a tangy white balsamic vinaigrette. A little gorgonzola and a handful of pepitas give it the perfect finishing touch.

Plate with butternut squash and kale salad.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad GF, V

This salad has all my favorite fall flavors with sweet roasted squash, tangy balsamic and crisp greens. It’s cozy yet refreshing and perfect for the season.

Salad plate filled with spinach harvest salad including butternut squash, cranberries, quinoa, pecans, and apples. A fork of on the plate and a dish towel to the side.

Fall Quinoa Spinach Salad GF, V

Roasted butternut squash, crisp apples and tender quinoa wrapped up in fresh spinach make this salad feel like a cozy autumn hug.

Bowl with roasted vegetable salad with kale and beans.

Roasted Vegetable Salad GF, V

The veggies get so caramelized and sweet in the oven that this salad feels hearty enough for dinner. I love how the vinaigrette brightens everything up and ties it all together.

Fall breakfast salad in a bowl with apples, avocado, squash, onion, and walnuts on greens.

Fall Breakfast Salad GF, VG

Yes, salad for breakfast is a thing and it’s one of my favorite ways to start the day. The mix of squash, apple, avocado, and a jammy egg makes it cozy, filling, and totally fall-worthy.

Plate and fork with sweet kale salad topped with poppyseed dressing, cranberries and pepitas.

Sweet Kale Salad GF, VG

This is the kind of salad I make when I want something crunchy and satisfying without being heavy. The creamy poppyseed dressing with kale, sprouts, and cranberries always hits the spot.

A Waldorf salad with sliced apples and grapes served on a bed of lettuce.

Waldorf Salad GF, VG

There’s just something nostalgic about a Waldorf salad that makes it timeless. I love the juicy apples and crisp celery with the walnuts for that perfect crunch in every bite.

White bowl with garlicky kale salad and who silver serving spoons.

Garlicky Kale Salad (Inspired by Whole Foods) GF, V

This salad hits just right with its bold tahini dressing and fresh garlic that bring all the flavor. I make it when I want something green, zesty, and wildly satisfying without much fuss.

A serving bowl containing kale caesar salad. Two serving spoons rest in the bowl.

Kale Caesar Salad VG

This one feels indulgent while still being good for you with crisp kale, homemade Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons that bring serious texture.

A white plate with a serving of the Brussels sprout chopped salad.

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad GF, VG

Crisp shaved sprouts paired with walnuts and hard-boiled eggs make for the best crunchy combo, and the apple cider vinegar dressing brightens everything up.

Bowl of roasted sweet potato salad with cranberries, onion, spinach and avocado.

Sweet Potato Salad GF, V

There’s something so good about the mix of roasted sweet potatoes and creamy avocado, especially when the lemon and apple cider vinegar add that bright, zesty kick to every bite.

Kale and brussels sprout salad in a bowl with serving spoons.

Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad GF, VG

Shredded kale and sprouts get all dressed up with cranberries, almonds, and pecorino for a flavor combo that is crunchy, tangy, and feels like fall. I love how this one holds up well if you make it ahead and still tastes fresh even the next day.

Kale salad with quinoa and roasted sweet potatoes on top.

Quinoa Salad with Kale and Roasted Sweet Potatoes GF, DF

Roasted sweet potatoes and caramelized onions bring cozy, warm flavors while quinoa and kale give this salad heart and texture.

Bowl of chicken waldorf salad made with chunks of grilled chicken, chopped apple, celery, onion, herbs, walnuts and a creamy dressing.

Chicken Waldorf Salad GF

Grilled chicken adds satisfying protein while apples, walnuts, and a creamy yogurt-mayo dressing bring just the right mix of crunch and freshness.

A beet salad with arugula, pecans, and crumbled feta in a bowl with two metal serving spoons.

Beet Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Vinaigrette GF, VG

Earthy roasted beets and crisp arugula get lifted by tangy balsamic and creamy cheese for a fresh autumn flavor. I always love how the crunchy pecans give it that extra satisfying bite.

A salad bowl containing pear and beet salad.

Pear Salad with Walnuts, Avocado and Grilled Chicken GF

Juicy pears and creamy avocado meet tender grilled chicken for a hearty salad that still feels light.

An overhead photo of a bowl of kale topped with 3 slices of roasted kabocha squash and scattered with dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and feta. A fork rests in the bowl.

Harvest Fall Salad GF

Tender baby kale with roasted kabocha squash and crisp pumpkin seeds makes this salad feel like fall in every bite. I love how the apple cider vinaigrette adds brightness and warms up the flavors just right.

Bowl of barley salad with chickpeas and pear. Table is scattered with herbs and walnuts.

Easy Barley Salad with Chickpeas VG

Barley and chickpeas pair up with juicy pears and walnuts for a sweet-savory combo that satisfies without feeling heavy. I make this one when I want a grain salad that holds up all week and still tastes fresh.

Prep Ahead + Storage Tips

  • Kale, Brussels sprouts and quinoa salads hold up especially well for meal prep.
  • Roast vegetables in advance and store them separately.
  • Keep dressings in a jar until you’re ready to toss everything together.
  • Add delicate toppings like nuts, cheese or fruit right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a salad a fall salad?

It comes down to seasonal ingredients. Using produce like squash, apples and Brussels sprouts gives salads that fall feeling.

What greens are best for fall salads?

Kale, spinach and arugula are all great options because they stand up well to heavier toppings.

What are the best toppings for fall salads?

I like adding nuts, seeds, dried cranberries, pomegranate and a little cheese to bring in crunch and flavor.

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About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

More about Brittany
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6 Comments

  1. I would love to see a post like this for the other seasons too! They are so helpful and since stores now have most ingredients year-round, it’s nice to know which ingredients are in season so I can take advantage of the freshest produce. Let me know if you plan on doing more seasonal salad posts!!!

  2. I just want to say I love the fact that there is a “in season” section, since I love making recipes with the seasons!

    Thank you! 😀