Fall Harvest Salad

Introduction

Fall Harvest Salad is a colorful and tasty dish that brings together the flavors of the season. With fresh greens, roasted squash, and a mix of fruits and nuts, this salad is not just healthy but also very satisfying.

Why Make This Recipe

This salad is perfect for autumn! It showcases vibrant seasonal ingredients and is great for a light lunch or a festive side dish at dinner. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and packed with nutrients.

How to Make Fall Harvest Salad

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup butternut squash, cubed and roasted
1 apple, thinly sliced
1 pear, thinly sliced
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Dressing (assumed):

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, roasted butternut squash, sliced apple, sliced pear, pecans, pumpkin seeds, crumbled bacon, and pomegranate seeds.
In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately and enjoy the flavors of fall!

How to Serve Fall Harvest Salad

This salad is best served fresh. You can enjoy it as a main dish or as a side. It pairs well with grilled meats or roasted dishes.

How to Store Fall Harvest Salad

If there are leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, so the salad stays fresh.

Tips to Make Fall Harvest Salad

Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
Roast the butternut squash until it’s golden for extra flavor.
Feel free to add or swap any seasonal fruits or nuts you like.

Variation (If Any)

You can add goat cheese or feta for a creamier texture. For a vegan option, skip the bacon and use a plant-based dressing.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare all ingredients ahead of time, but don’t mix them until just before serving to keep everything fresh.

2. What can I use instead of butternut squash? You can use sweet potatoes or acorn squash as an alternative.

3. Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, most of the ingredients are gluten-free. Just ensure that any packaged items (like bacon) are labeled gluten-free.