Fall Harvest Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

Fall Harvest Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

Delicious, creamy, and full of flavor, this Fall Harvest Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette is the perfect way to welcome the season. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s loaded with autumn-inspired ingredients like crisp apples, crunchy pumpkin seeds, sweet cranberries, and creamy avocado. Add a quick homemade vinaigrette, and you’ve got a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Fall brings out the best in salad ingredients—think vibrant colors, hearty textures, and bold, sweet-savory flavors. Whether you’re hosting brunch or bringing a dish to a potluck, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Fall Harvest Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette | The Food Cafe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare – ready in just 5 minutes
• Packed with texture – sweet, crunchy, and creamy all in one bowl
• Seasonal and fresh – made with fall’s best produce
• Homemade vinaigrette – a simple dressing you can whisk together in a minute

Ingredient Overview

• Spring mix greens: 2 bags (or any leafy greens you like)
• Cooked quinoa: ¼ cup, cooled
• Fresh fruit: 1 gala apple (chopped), 1 ripe avocado (diced), 1 cup halved red grapes
• Crunchy extras: ¼ cup garlic-flavored pepitas, ¼ cup chopped pecans
• Sweet touches: ¼ cup dried cranberries
• Cheese (optional): Crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese

For the Homemade Vinaigrette:

• 1 tsp minced green onions
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad Base: Add spring mix greens to a large salad bowl.
2. Toss in Toppings: Add in quinoa, apple chunks, pepitas, cranberries, pecans, avocado, and grapes.
3. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together green onion, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified.
4. Dress & Serve: Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Prep ahead: Chop fruits and cook quinoa the night before.
• Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken or salmon for a protein boost.
• Use seasonal fruits: Try pears or pomegranate seeds for a twist.

Storage Tips

• Without dressing: Store salad and vinaigrette separately for up to 2 days.
• With dressing: Best enjoyed immediately after dressing.

Can I use a different dressing?

Absolutely! This salad pairs well with apple cider vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing too.

Is it okay to skip the quinoa?

Yes—quinoa adds texture and protein, but it’s totally optional.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: ~6g
• Carbs: ~28g
• Fat: ~20g
• Fiber: ~5g
• Sugar: ~14g

Join the Conversation

Love seasonal salads? Be sure to try these too:

• Creamy Garlic Tomato Shrimp Pasta
• Creamy Tortellini and Spinach Soup

Made this Fall Harvest Salad? Share your creation on Instagram and tag @shannon_ladywarrior—I’d love to see your fall-inspired plate!