Quick Autumn Harvest Salad
Article By :
kim
October 20, 2025
There’s something about that first crisp fall morning when the air smells faintly of roasted squash and apples that calls for something bright and seasonal. This Quick Autumn Harvest Salad is that perfect in-between dish: cozy, colorful, and made in just minutes. Sweet roasted butternut squash meets tangy goat cheese, crisp apples, and a jewel-toned pomegranate vinaigrette.
It’s fresh enough for a light lunch, yet elegant enough for Thanksgiving dinner. Serve it next to Quick Crispy Parmesan Carrots for a warm veggie pairing, or finish the meal with a sweet bite like No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars because balance is what autumn cooking is all about.
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Why You’ll Love This Quick Autumn Harvest Salad
Flavor & Texture Highlights
This Quick Autumn Harvest Salad is a perfect mix of crunch, creaminess, and color. The roasted butternut squash brings natural sweetness, the apples add juicy crispness, and the goat cheese lends a smooth, tangy note that ties it all together. Candied pecans offer an irresistible crunch, while pomegranate seeds burst with freshness in every bite.
The homemade vinaigrette made with pure pomegranate juice and Dijon mustard adds a silky finish with a pop of flavor that complements all those earthy fall tones. Together, these ingredients turn a simple salad into something truly special.
If you love contrast and balance (sweet, salty, tart, creamy), this bowl of Quick Autumn Harvest Salad checks every box.
When to Make a Quick Autumn Harvest Salad
This Quick Autumn Harvest Salad is your go-to when apples, pomegranates, and squash are in full swing from early fall through the holidays. It’s fast enough for a weekday lunch and pretty enough for a dinner party. Try it with a hearty main like One-Pan Chicken Bacon Gnocchi for a cozy, complete meal.
It also pairs beautifully with other easy sides such as Quick Side Dish Roast Potatoes or the colorful Quick Side Dish Carrot Ribbon Salad when you want to build a full harvest-inspired table.
For dessert, keep things simple and satisfying with No-Bake Dark Chocolate Stuffed Dates or No-Bake Date Caramel Brownie Batter Bars sweet treats that round off your autumn feast without ever turning on the oven.
How to Make Quick Autumn Harvest Salad
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what makes this Quick Autumn Harvest Salad shine and a few easy swaps to keep it flexible for your pantry.
- Spring mix salad (1 bag / 150 g) The light, peppery greens keep the base fresh and crisp. You can use spinach, arugula, or even kale if you want something heartier.
- Roasted butternut squash (½ cup) Adds warmth and a touch of caramel sweetness. Swap with roasted sweet potato or acorn squash for a similar vibe.
- Green & red apples (½ each, thinly sliced) The sweet-tart combo gives the salad a lovely balance. Try pears or even sliced persimmons for a fun fall twist.
- Candied pecans (⅓ cup) A crunchy, sweet contrast to the tangy dressing. Toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds also work well.
- Goat cheese (2 tbsp, crumbled) Creamy, tangy, and slightly salty. Feta or blue cheese can stand in if you prefer stronger flavor.
- Pomegranate seeds A jewel-toned garnish that adds both crunch and color. Dried cranberries or even roasted grapes are great alternatives.
For the Pomegranate Vinaigrette:
- Pomegranate juice (¼ cup) The base of the dressing. If unavailable, cranberry juice makes a nice stand-in.
- Olive oil (¼ cup) Keeps it smooth and rich.
- White vinegar (1 tbsp) Brightens the dressing. Apple cider vinegar works just as well.
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp) Helps emulsify and adds depth.
- Salt & pepper To taste, of course.
Tip: Make a double batch of the vinaigrette it also pairs beautifully with roasted veggies like Quick Crispy Parmesan Carrots or drizzled over Quick Side Dish Carrot Ribbon Salad for a punch of fall flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the vinaigrette.
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the pomegranate juice, olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and emulsified. You’ll know it’s ready when the color turns deep pink and the texture feels creamy.
Step 2: Assemble the salad.
In a large serving bowl, add your spring mix. Top with roasted butternut squash, alternating slices of green and red apple for that beautiful fall look. Sprinkle in the candied pecans and crumbled goat cheese.
Step 3: Dress & serve.
Just before serving, drizzle the pomegranate vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Toss gently so every bite gets a little bit of everything. Finish with a handful of pomegranate seeds for that glossy, festive touch.
Quick Autumn Harvest Salad
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 150 g bag spring mix salad
- ½ cup roasted butternut squash
- ½ green apple thinly sliced
- ½ red apple thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup candied pecans
- 2 tbsp goat cheese crumbled
- Pomegranate seeds for topping
Pomegranate Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup pomegranate juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the vinaigrette
- Whisk together pomegranate juice, olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
Step 2: Assemble the salad
- In a large serving bowl, layer spring mix, roasted butternut squash, apple slices, candied pecans, and goat cheese.
Step 3: Dress & serve
- Drizzle with pomegranate vinaigrette just before serving and toss lightly. Top with pomegranate seeds for a bright, festive finish.
Video
Notes
or Quick Side Dish Carrot Ribbon Salad
.
Tips, Variations, Serving & Storing
Helpful Tips & Shortcuts
- Prep ahead smartly:
Roast your butternut squash up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature before adding it to your salad. - Keep the apples fresh:
To prevent browning, toss your sliced apples in a little lemon juice. This not only keeps them crisp but also adds a light citrus pop that complements the pomegranate dressing beautifully. - Make the vinaigrette in bulk:
The homemade pomegranate vinaigrette can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to one week. Give it a quick shake before using it also tastes amazing on roasted veggies like Quick Crispy Parmesan Carrots or a simple side like Quick Side Dish Carrot Ribbon Salad. - Warm or cold?
You can slightly warm your roasted squash before adding it to the greens if you prefer a cozy touch. Just don’t add it piping hot that’s the trick to keeping your greens crisp. - Crunch control:
Candied pecans add sweetness and crunch, but for something lighter, swap them with roasted almonds or pumpkin seeds. For a nut-free option, try crispy chickpeas instead.
Serving & Storage
- How to serve it:
This Quick Autumn Harvest Salad is an all-rounder. Serve it as a standalone lunch with a slice of warm sourdough or pair it with a hearty fall main like One-Pan Chicken Bacon Gnocchi or a simple bowl of soup. For festive occasions, it looks beautiful served on a large platter the colors do all the work for you. - Meal prep magic:
If you want to prep it for weekday lunches, store each component separately greens, roasted squash, cheese, and dressing and combine just before eating. This keeps everything fresh and vibrant. - Storage:
Leftovers (without dressing) can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately to maintain its texture. - Bonus pairing:
Balance the freshness of this salad with a cozy side like Quick Side Dish Roast Potatoes and wrap up your meal with a treat such as No-Bake Dark Chocolate Stuffed Dates a wholesome, no-fuss dessert that complements your autumn menu perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! To make your Quick Autumn Harvest Salad ahead, prepare all the components roast the butternut squash, slice the apples, and whisk the vinaigrette then store them separately in airtight containers. Keep the dressing in a jar in the fridge and the greens dry until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to eat, toss everything together for that just-made freshness.
Pro tip: This salad actually gets more flavorful if you roast the squash the night before the caramelized edges deepen in taste by the next day.
How do I prevent the greens from getting soggy?
The key is to add the dressing only when serving. Keep the salad greens and vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to plate. If you’re packing this for lunch, layer it smartly: dressing on the bottom, heavier ingredients (squash, apples, nuts) in the middle, and greens on top. Give it a quick toss right before eating for that crisp bite every time.
If you’re into easy, make-ahead sides, check out Quick Side Dish Carrot Ribbon Salad it stays crunchy even when prepped early!
Can I warm up this Quick Autumn Harvest Salad ?
Absolutely! A slightly warm Quick Autumn Harvest Salad can be even more comforting on a chilly fall day. Simply reheat your roasted butternut squash for about 15–20 seconds in the microwave or in a skillet until warm (not hot). Toss it gently with the greens and dressing so the warmth lightly wilts the edges of the leaves cozy, not soggy.
Try pairing it with a warm main like One-Pan Chicken Bacon Gnocchi for the ultimate fall comfort meal.
What kind of dressing goes with an autumn harvest salad?
The best dressing for a Quick Autumn Harvest Salad is something that balances sweet, tart, and savory like the pomegranate vinaigrette in this recipe. It highlights the natural sweetness of the squash and apples while cutting through the richness of goat cheese.
Other great options include maple balsamic, apple cider vinaigrette, or a simple honey mustard. If you’re craving variety, you can use the leftover pomegranate dressing on Quick Crispy Parmesan Carrots or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for extra fall flair.
Conclusion
The Quick Autumn Harvest Salad is everything you want in a fall dish crisp, cozy, colorful, and full of flavor. From the caramelized butternut squash to the tangy goat cheese and sweet pomegranate vinaigrette, every bite celebrates the best of the season.
It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and versatile enough for both casual lunches and festive dinners. Pair it with Quick Side Dish Roast Potatoes for a heartier meal or follow it with No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars for a sweet finish.
If you try this Quick Autumn Harvest Salad recipe, share your creation in the comments or tag Swift Dishes on social! We love seeing your seasonal plates come to life.
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