The Ultimate Fall Salad: A Symphony of Autumn Flavors

Welcome the autumn season with our remarkable Fall Salad recipe, a culinary masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of harvest in every bite. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a comforting, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful experience, featuring beautifully roasted sweet potatoes, crisp, juicy apples, vibrant tart cranberries, and a delightful crunch from toasted almonds. All these incredible ingredients come together, perfectly harmonized by an exceptional homemade lemon balsamic dressing that brightens and elevates every component. Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite autumn dish!

From the Author’s Kitchen

Why This Autumn Salad Becomes My Seasonal Obsession

As soon as the leaves start to turn and the air gets that crisp, refreshing chill, my kitchen transforms. While I adore the cozy warmth of fall baking (and believe me, there’s plenty of that happening – hello, pumpkin coffee cake, pumpkin bread, and irresistible pumpkin cheesecake bars!), I often find myself craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with wholesome goodness. That’s precisely when this incredible autumn salad steps in.

This isn’t your average light side salad; it’s a truly hearty and wholesome meal that leaves you feeling genuinely satisfied. Its robust combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout. I frequently toss in some leftover protein, like perfectly baked chicken thighs or a convenient rotisserie chicken, to instantly elevate it to a complete and balanced dinner. The star players in this healthy fall salad include perfectly seasoned wild rice, crunchy apples, and my absolute favorite: tender, caramelized roasted sweet potatoes. And the dressing? Oh, the dressing! A bright, tangy lemon balsamic concoction that brings a fresh, zesty kick to every forkful. It truly is the secret ingredient that ties all these wonderful autumn flavors together.

I am genuinely excited for you to try this ultimate Fall Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe. I’m eager to hear how much you love it!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Fall Salad

Crafting the perfect Fall Salad begins with selecting high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the symphony of flavors and textures that makes this salad so irresistible. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element shines, contributing to a truly memorable autumn dish:

The Hearty and Wholesome Foundation

• Sweet Potatoes: These naturally sweet root vegetables transform into tender, caramelized cubes when roasted, adding a delightful depth and warmth to the salad. They’re packed with essential vitamins (especially Vitamin A) and fiber, making this salad incredibly nourishing. Roasting them until crisp-tender with slightly browned edges ensures optimal flavor and texture.
• Wild Rice Mix: Wild rice provides a fantastic nutty flavor and satisfyingly chewy texture, making the salad more substantial and filling. It’s a great source of complex carbohydrates and protein. A packaged mix offers convenience for busy schedules, or you can prepare it from scratch to fine-tune the seasoning. Always ensure it’s fully cooled before incorporating to prevent wilting the delicate greens.

Crisp, Creamy, and Tangy Accents

• Apples: The crisp sweetness and slight tartness of fresh apples, particularly varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji, offer a refreshing contrast to the earthy flavors of the roasted sweet potatoes and wild rice. They provide an essential burst of juiciness and crunch that elevates the entire salad. To maintain their fresh appearance, chop or thinly slice them just before serving and toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Avocados: Creamy, rich avocados add a luxurious texture, healthy monounsaturated fats, and a subtle buttery flavor to the salad. Their smooth consistency beautifully complements the varied textures. Similar to apples, cut them right before serving and use a splash of lemon juice to help them retain their vibrant green color.
• Dried Sweetened Cranberries: These jewel-toned berries bring a delightful burst of tartness balanced by a touch of sweetness, embodying classic fall flavors. They add a lovely chewiness and contribute a vibrant visual appeal that makes the salad pop.

Crunch, Freshness, and Optional Creaminess

• Sliced Roasted Almonds: Toasted almonds deliver an irresistible crunch and a subtle nutty flavor, providing an excellent textural counterpoint to the softer ingredients. For maximum crispness, sprinkle these in just before serving. You can also opt for pecans or walnuts for a different nutty nuance.
• Spring Mix Lettuce Blend: A generous blend of delicate greens, such as a 50/50 mix of spinach and other spring mix leaves, forms the fresh, nutrient-rich base of this autumn salad. Its slightly peppery and tender leaves are the perfect canvas for the richer, heartier toppings.
• Crumbled Goat Cheese or Feta Cheese (Optional): For an extra layer of creamy, tangy flavor that beautifully enhances the other ingredients, consider adding crumbled goat cheese or feta. It introduces a sophisticated touch and a delightful creaminess. Crumble it just before serving to maintain its texture. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese.

The Zesty Finish: Homemade Lemon Balsamic Dressing

• Homemade Lemon Balsamic Dressing: This vibrant, zesty dressing is the true star that impeccably ties all the diverse flavors of this Fall Salad together. Crafted with fresh lemon juice and zest, high-quality balsamic vinegar, pungent Dijon mustard, aromatic minced garlic, and smooth olive oil, it’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to prepare. Its bright, acidic notes expertly cut through the richness of the sweet potatoes and avocado, creating a perfectly balanced and invigorating salad experience.

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5 from 8 votes

Fall Salad With Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Lemon Balsamic

By
Chelsea Lords

This hearty, fresh, and utterly irresistible Fall Salad combines the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, the crispness of apples, the chewiness of wild rice, crunchy almonds, and tangy cranberries, all brought together by a bright lemon balsamic dressing.

Prep Time:
40 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes

Servings:
6 as large sides

Recipe Video

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
• Small blender or food processor

Ingredients

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  3 cups chopped sweet potatoes cut into 1/2-inch cubes
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  1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
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  Salt and pepper
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  1 (6-ounce) package Long Grain and Wild Rice Mix like Uncle Ben’s, see note 1
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  2 large apples Honeycrisp recommended, chopped or thinly sliced
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  1 to 2 ripe avocados chopped or thinly sliced
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  1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries
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  1/2 cup sliced roasted almonds
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  9 cups spring mix lettuce blend 8 ounces; a 50/50 blend of spinach and spring mix works wonderfully
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  Crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese, optional

Lemon Balsamic Dressing

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  1 large lemon
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  1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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  3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
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  1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
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  1 teaspoon minced garlic
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  1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 400°F (200°C). Place the carefully chopped sweet potatoes (ensuring they are cut into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking) onto a large sheet pan. Drizzle them generously with 1-1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring each sweet potato cube is coated. Spread them into a single, even layer on the baking sheet; this is key for achieving beautiful caramelization and a crisp-tender texture.
2. Bake the sweet potatoes for 10 minutes, then gently flip them with a spatula to brown all sides. Continue to roast for another 10 minutes, flip again, and then roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are delightfully crisp-tender on the inside and slightly caramelized and golden-brown on the outside. Once perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool completely to room temperature. Allowing them to cool is crucial to prevent them from wilting the fresh greens when assembling the salad.
3. Prepare Wild Rice: Cook the wild rice according to the specific package directions for your chosen brand. Alternatively, if you prefer to make your wild rice from scratch or wish to control the seasoning precisely, please refer to Note 1 provided below for a detailed homemade method. Once the rice is tender and fully cooked, spread it out on a plate or shallow dish and refrigerate until it is completely chilled. Chilling the rice ensures it won’t introduce warmth and wilt the delicate lettuce when combined with other salad ingredients.
4. Craft the Lemon Balsamic Dressing: First, zest the large lemon to obtain about 1/2 teaspoon of fragrant zest. Then, juice the same lemon to get approximately 2-1/2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Combine both the lemon zest and juice in a small blender or a food processor. Add the onion powder, balsamic vinegar, Dijon-style mustard, minced garlic, and 1/2 cup of high-quality olive oil. Season the dressing with about 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Blend the mixture until the dressing is perfectly smooth, creamy, and beautifully emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile. Transfer the finished dressing to a clean jar and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.
5. Prep Fresh Ingredients: Just before the final assembly of your exquisite Fall Salad, chop or thinly slice the fresh apples and ripe avocados. Immediately after slicing, drizzle them with 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice and gently toss to ensure they are lightly coated. This simple yet crucial step is vital for preventing the fruit from oxidizing and turning an undesirable brown color, keeping them vibrant and appealing.
6. Assemble the Salad: In a generously sized mixing bowl, delicately combine the spring mix lettuce blend with the cooled roasted sweet potatoes and the chilled wild rice. Evenly distribute the dried sweetened cranberries, crunchy sliced almonds, freshly prepared apple slices, and creamy avocado over this base. If you’ve chosen to include it, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese over the top for an added layer of flavor and texture.
7. Dress and Serve: It is critically important to only dress the portion of the salad you intend to eat immediately, as the dressed salad does not maintain its freshness and crispness well for extended storage. Drizzle with your desired amount of the vibrant lemon balsamic dressing (add to taste), then gently toss all the ingredients to combine them thoroughly. Serve your magnificent Fall Salad fresh and enjoy! Store any leftover dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to use on future salads or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Homemade Wild Rice Recipe

For those who prefer to make wild rice from scratch or want more control over the seasoning, here’s a simple and flavorful method that ensures perfect results every time:

Ingredients for Homemade Wild Rice:

• 2/3 cup (116g) wild rice
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1-2/3 cups (359g) chicken broth or vegetable stock (for a vegetarian/vegan option)
• 1/2 teaspoon each: sea salt, dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon each: cracked pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Method for Homemade Wild Rice:

1. Rinse the wild rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. This important step helps remove any excess starch and ensures a fluffy result.
2. In a medium-sized pot with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the wild rice ingredients. Bring the mixture to a strong boil over medium-high heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to a very low simmer, ensuring the liquid is just barely bubbling. Cover the pot tightly with its lid. Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for approximately 45 minutes.
4. After 45 minutes, check the rice for doneness. It should be tender with a pleasant, slight chew. If it’s still too firm for your liking, add another 10–15 minutes to the cooking time, adding a little extra broth or water if the liquid has evaporated too much. Remember that cook time may vary slightly by brand, so checking regularly is always recommended.
5. Once the rice is perfectly tender, remove the pot from the heat and let it steam, still covered, for an additional 5–10 minutes. This allows the grains to fully plump up and absorb any remaining liquid. Drain any excess liquid if necessary and fluff the rice gently with a fork before cooling it for the salad.

Storage for Prepared Components: For the best quality and longest freshness, always keep the dressing, cooled wild rice, and roasted sweet potatoes separate from the fresh greens and other delicate ingredients. Store the homemade lemon balsamic dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Once the entire salad is fully dressed, it does not store well for extended periods, so it’s best consumed immediately.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Serving: 1 serving |
Calories: 625 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 70 g |
Protein: 10 g |
Fat: 38 g |
Saturated Fat: 5 g |
Sodium: 135 mg |
Potassium: 1303 mg |
Fiber: 15 g |
Sugar: 35 g |
Vitamin A: 18654 IU |
Vitamin C: 24 mg |
Calcium: 164 mg |
Iron: 3 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is provided as an estimate only. Values may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

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Customizing Your Fall Salad: Swaps and Creative Variations

One of the best aspects of this Autumn Salad is its incredible versatility. Feel free to experiment with ingredients to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or simply what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this healthy fall salad uniquely your own! Here are some ideas for delightful swaps and variations:

• Nut Alternatives: If almonds aren’t your preference, or for a different flavor and textural profile, consider swapping them for other toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts, which also offer a rich, earthy crunch and healthy fats. For a nut-free option, crunchy pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are an excellent choice, adding both texture and a boost of essential nutrients like zinc.
• Fruit Enhancements: While crisp apples are a classic fall favorite, thinly sliced fresh pears can offer a subtly different sweetness and delicate texture that pairs wonderfully with the roasted sweet potatoes. Instead of dried cranberries, plump dried cherries or even juicy pomegranate arils (for a burst of freshness, vibrant color, and antioxidants) can be fantastic additions, adding a touch of sweetness and tang.
• Cheese Choices: Crumbled goat cheese provides a creamy tang and soft texture that beautifully complements the sweet and savory elements of the salad. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, simply omit the cheese entirely, or explore the growing variety of vegan feta options for a similar savory and briny note that will still enhance the salad’s depth.
• Grain Substitutions: Wild rice adds a unique chewiness and robust flavor, but this salad is equally delicious with other hearty grains. Try farro for its ancient grain appeal and satisfyingly chewy texture, quinoa for a complete protein-packed, gluten-free option, or even classic brown rice for a comforting, familiar touch and additional fiber.
• Protein Power-Up: To effortlessly transform this hearty side dish into a full, satisfying meal with extra staying power, incorporate your favorite protein. Leftover shredded chicken, convenient rotisserie chicken, or perfectly grilled chicken breast are easy and delicious go-tos. For a vegetarian or vegan protein boost, crispy air-fryer chickpeas, pan-fried tofu cubes, or a handful of black beans can add substantial protein and a delightful texture.
• Herbaceous Freshness: While the lemon balsamic dressing is incredibly flavorful on its own, a fresh sprinkle of finely chopped herbs can add another layer of aromatic complexity. Consider fresh parsley, delicate chives, or even a touch of fresh thyme or rosemary (sparingly, as they are potent) to brighten and enhance the overall taste of the finished salad.

Serving Suggestions for Your Autumn Harvest Salad

This versatile Fall Salad is robust and flavorful enough to shine as a standalone meal, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner. However, its balanced profile and rich seasonal ingredients also allow it to pair beautifully with a variety of other dishes, elevating any meal occasion. Its vibrant colors and comforting flavors make it a favorite for both everyday enjoyment and special gatherings. Here are some thoughtful serving suggestions to inspire you:

• Main Course Marvel: Transform this already substantial salad into an impressive and complete main dish by adding a generous portion of your preferred protein. Grilled chicken, succulent pan-seared salmon, tender pork loin, or a hearty vegetarian protein like baked tofu or tempeh are all fantastic choices. The existing flavors in the salad complement a wide range of proteins beautifully.
• Comforting Soup Companion: Create the ultimate cozy fall meal by pairing this fresh and vibrant salad with a warm, comforting bowl of seasonal soup. Imagine a creamy butternut squash soup, a savory lentil soup, or a classic tomato bisque served alongside this crunchy, sweet, and savory salad – it’s a perfect balance of textures and temperatures for a truly satisfying autumn dinner.
• Holiday Table Centerpiece: This visually stunning Roasted Sweet Potato Salad makes an excellent and highly appealing side dish for special gatherings. Its festive colors and rich flavors are particularly well-suited for Thanksgiving celebrations, Friendsgiving feasts, or any autumn holiday meal where you want to offer a fresh, yet substantial option that stands out from the traditional, often heavier, holiday fare.
• Elevated Brunch Addition: Offer this vibrant and wholesome salad as a refreshing and nutritious component of a festive weekend brunch spread. Its lively colors and nourishing ingredients are a welcome addition to any morning or midday feast, providing a lighter counterpoint to richer brunch items.
• Simple Weeknight Side: Even on busy weeknights, this salad can serve as a quick and healthy side dish. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, a simple steak, or a vegetable frittata for an easy way to incorporate more seasonal goodness into your dinner.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Fall Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes is sure to become a cherished recipe in your autumn repertoire, offering a delightful blend of seasonal tastes and textures that will satisfy, impress, and bring the warmth of fall to your table.