Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Dressing
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This fall harvest salad is made with an array of seasonal fruits and veggies. Roasted golden beets, asparagus and broccolini give this salad a warm heartier vibe. Along with a contrast of colorful fruits like apples and dried unsweetened cranberries. Top it with pumpkin seeds, dairy free feta and a homemade apple cider dressing. This salad is nutritious, filling and gorgeous! Perfect for the holidays or a simple weeknight dinner.
What can go in a Fall Harvest Salad?
Salad recipes are not to be strictly followed. When I make any salad, the ingredients are based on my cravings and my mood. Now during the colder months, my taste buds do gravitate to more seasonal ingredients. I love roasting vegetables like beets (golden beets are my favorite. They are sweeter than their darker more earthy sibling.) But if you don’t like beets, try roasting a variety of squashes or sweet potatoes.
You can also add roasted brussel sprouts, carrots, parsnips or cauliflower. Just take a walk through your grocers produce section and see what veggies are abundant this time of year. There are no rules!
Roasting veggies is quite simple. Just peel (if necessary), chop, toss with some avocado oil, sea salt and pepper. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a 400 degree oven for about 25-30 minutes (flip once during baking). Then when the veggies are nice and crispy let them cool for a minute. Add them to the salad and viola!
When it comes to the greens, I love a nice crunchy romaine lettuce. Maybe some Swiss chard, kale or spinach.
What about fruits? Apples are classic of course but you can use pears as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, try sliced fresh figs!
Toppings are where it’s at! There are so many to choose from. Cheeses (non-dairy for me!) nuts, seeds and dried fruits. In this recipe I used dried cranberries. I was able to find some unsweetened ones, which was nice because of the low sugar! I also used pumpkin seeds and a dairy free feta (Follow Your Heart has a great tasting dairy free feta option!)
Serving this salad warm or cold is up to you. But don’t skip the special apple cider homemade dressing. It’s light, tasty and gives such a fall touch!
Looking to add protein?
Feel free to add your favorite meat, poultry or plant-based proteins to make this fall harvest salad even more hearty!
Some options:
Skirt steak
Shredded chicken breast
Chopped bacon
Grilled salmon
Chickpeas
Quinoa
Looking for other salad options? Try these…
The dressing!
Apple cider is available year round in most grocery stores but finding a local one is definitely easier in the fall. If you’re lucky enough to live in a state with an apple orchard, I suggest grabbing the fresh stuff. You won’t be disappointed!
This dressing uses simple and very accessible ingredients. It takes only seconds to make and can be made ahead to time. I actually like when it has time to marinate overnight, the flavors come together even more!
Leave a comment and let me know how you put your spin on this Fall Harvest Salad. I’m excited to hear!