Harvest Apple & Roasted Squash Fall Salad

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Crisp, cozy, and seasonal

This Harvest Apple & Roasted Squash Fall Salad is the kind of recipe that makes autumn meals feel special without extra effort. Sweet roasted squash, crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and tangy cheese are tossed with a simple maple vinaigrette that brings everything together beautifully. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, fall potlucks, or a light lunch that still feels hearty and satisfying. This fall salad idea is easy to prep ahead, naturally gluten-free, and packed with cozy seasonal flavor—exactly the kind of recipe people save and make again.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4

📝 Ingredients List

  • 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
  • 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta

Maple Vinaigrette

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Measuring cups & spoons

🥗 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Roast the squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized.
  2. Prep the salad: While the squash cooks, wash and dry greens. Slice the apple thinly and chop the pecans 🍎
  3. Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly glossy.
  4. Assemble: Add greens to a large bowl. Top with warm squash, apples, pecans, cranberries, and cheese.

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