During the cooler months, we tend to gravitate toward soups and casseroles but salads can still have a place on your fall menu! Seasonal ingredients like roasted vegetables, nuts and hearty greens are nutritious, filling and celebrate the warm flavors of the season.
Here’s how to make a fall salad that combines taste, texture and the best autumn has to offer.
1. Start with a Hearty Green Base
Greens are the foundation of every great salad and fall calls for something more robust than the delicate lettuces of summer. Hearty greens like kale, spinach, arugula and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins A, C and K, along with fiber and antioxidants.
In particular, kale is a superfood known for its nutrient density. Massage kale with olive oil to soften its texture, making it more enjoyable to eat while still retaining its nutritional value.
2. Roast Seasonal Vegetables
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy seasonal root vegetables and squashes. Roasting vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, beets and carrots enhances their natural sweetness and brings a warm comfort to your salad.
Toss your veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper or your favorite seasonings, then roast until tender and caramelized.
3. Add Crunch with Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds add texture to your fall salad. Walnuts, pecans and almonds provide heart-
Healthy fats, protein and fiber, while seeds like pumpkin and sunflower offer a nutrient boost. Lightly toast the nuts and seeds for texture and to enhance their natural essence.
4. Include Fall Fruits
Balance the earthiness of greens and roasted vegetables by adding a touch of sweetness from fall fruits. Apples, pears and dried cranberries provide a refreshing contrast to the savory elements of your salad. Apples and pears offer a crisp texture, fiber and vitamin C, while dried cranberries give a burst of tangy sweetness.
5. Top with Protein
Adding a source of protein can turn your fall salad into a complete, satisfying meal. Grilled chicken, turkey or roasted chickpeas are excellent options that complement the other ingredients. For a plant-based protein boost, try adding quinoa or lentils rich in fiber and essential amino acids. Protein ensures that your salad is nutritious and filling enough to keep you energized throughout the day.
6. Finish with a Seasonal Dressing
A homemade vinaigrette is the perfect way to tie your flavors together! Try a fall-inspired maple or apple cider vinaigrette, which use simple ingredients but pack a flavor punch. These dressings provide a balance of tang and sweetness that complement the richness of roasted vegetables and the sweetness of fall fruits, without overpowering the salad.
Whether enjoyed as a side dish or main course, a well-prepared fall salad is a delicious and healthy way to savor the season’s best produce. Stop by Colony Diner for one of our gourmet salads today!