This list of 25 fall salad recipes is designed for people like you and us: health-oriented and curious eaters who want meals that are nourishing and delicious.
Every recipe here uses seasonal produce like and many are high-protein vegetarian meals built with beans, lentils, or quinoa. You might also like our lentil recipes and sweet potato recipes.
Between Louise and me, we’ve tested and cooked well over 100 different salad recipes for The Plant-Based School. Some were instant wins (our viral chickpea cucumber salad), others needed tweaking before they were “just right.”
As we head into Fall 2025, these are the 25 fall salad recipes Louise and I are making on repeat.
They’re seasonal, practical, high in plant protein, and built for real life; the same way we design every recipe on this blog.
Why You’ll Love These Salads
- Seasonally relevant fall salad ideas with apples, kale, squash & grains.
- High–protein vegetarian options with feta, nuts, Greek yogurt, beans & quinoa.
- Meal-prep friendly (perfect for work lunches).
- Holiday-ready sides for Thanksgiving and beyond.
Fruit-Forward Salads
Louise makes this one weekly in September. Crisp apples, grapes, cranberries, and pecans is like fall in a bowl. We often toss in chickpeas to boost protein for lunchboxes.
Shaved Brussels sprouts are sweet and crunchy in fall. Tossed with dried cranberries, walnuts, and a honey mustard vinaigrette, this is a side that even sprout skeptics love.
3. Butternut squash salad with apple
Caramelized butternut squash, leafy greens, pecans, and juicy pomegranate seeds make this colorful and festive. We love it for weeknights and Thanksgiving alike.
Crisp shaved fennel, juicy orange, briny black olives, and pops of pomegranate make a sweet-salty, ultra-refreshing fall salad Louise and I reach for when we want brightness.
This is my go-to for quick meal prep: raw cabbage, grated crisp apple, carrots, and a no-mayo lemon vinaigrette. Crunchy, tangy, and ready in 10 minutes.
Sweet pears and juicy oranges brighten up fall greens. We love how the citrus cuts through the richness of autumn meals, making this salad a light yet seasonal option.
Protein-Packed Salads
French green lentils hold their shape and pair beautifully with roasted carrots. Our cumin-olive oil dressing makes this hearty enough to be a full meal.
Packed with plant protein, this salad combines fluffy quinoa, earthy lentils, and roasted sweet potato. It’s the kind of dish we make for weekday lunches when we want something filling but nutrient-dense.
9. Black Bean Sweet Potato Salad
Roasted sweet potato cubes with black beans, cilantro, and lime dressing. Cozy and filling, and it works warm or cold.
Our vegetarian twist on tabbouleh uses protein-rich lentils instead of bulgur. Tossed with parsley, tomatoes, and lemon, it’s refreshing, healthy, and perfect for fall meal prep.
Grain-Based Salads
Edamame beans, feta, almonds, and fluffy quinoa make a salad that gets better as it sits. Louise makes this in big batches for weekday lunches.
Nutty farro, roasted vegetables and chickpeas make one beautiful Mediterranean diet meal. This hearty grain salad is filling enough to be dinner.
Roasted carrots, eggplant, and mushrooms tossed with chewy barley and a lemony dressing. Cozy, rustic, and nutrient dense.
Roasted eggplant caponata adds silky depth to fluffy couscous. This is a Mediterranean-inspired fall salad that’s hearty and satisfying.
Roasted Vegetable Salads
Spiced with cumin and coriander, this carrot salad brings warmth to the table. Louise loves eating it with chickpeas for extra protein, and it keeps well in the fridge.
Caramelized sweet potato, arugula, and toasted seeds make a nutrient powerhouse. Perfect for fall celebrations as a side dish and appetizer.
17. Cauliflower chickpea salad
Roasted cauliflower with protein-rich chickpeas, tahini dressing and pomegranate seeds. Smoky, spicy, and warming on cool nights.
Even as the weather cools, corn is still sweet in early fall. Mixed with black beans, lime, and herbs, this salad is hearty, protein-packed, and great for potlucks.
Meal-Prep Friendly Fall Salads
This lighter take on the classic swaps mayo for Greek yogurt and adds sundried tomatoes instead of bacon. It’s a salad we often make ahead for cookouts and potlucks.
This one is as colorful as it is nourishing. Crisp red cabbage and juicy orange wedges bring brightness, while pinto beans add protein and creaminess. It keeps well and only gets better as the flavors mingle 😋.
Cabbage and grated carrot tossed in a light yogurt dressing. Fresh, crunchy, and great as a side or sandwich topper.
Steamed green beans tossed with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a lemon vinaigrette. Simple, fresh, and very Mediterranean, we often make it as a side for cozy pasta nights.
Yes, pasta salad works in fall too. Blending kale into pesto makes a vibrant dressing. Use whole wheat or lentil pasta for extra protein.
Peppery arugula pairs beautifully with crisp apples and parmesan cheese. A drizzle of lemon and olive oil makes this salad taste both refreshing and autumnal.
A very Mediterranean mix: peppery arugula, tender artichoke hearts, briny olives, and a sprinkle of parmesan. We often serve it as a starter when friends come over, and it never fails to impress.
Fall salad recipes FAQ
Are fall salads actually filling?
Yes. We build them with beans, lentils, quinoa, nuts, and roasted veggies for fiber and protein, so they’re satisfying enough for lunch or a light dinner.
What apples are best for salads?
Firm, crisp apples that won’t brown quickly; Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Gala. Toss slices in lemon to keep them bright.
How long do these salads keep for meal prep?
Grain/bean salads: 3–4 days in airtight containers. Leafy salads: 1–2 days if you store dressing separately. Kale holds up longer once massaged.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap yogurt dressings for tahini or olive-oil vinaigrettes; replace cheese with toasted nuts or seeds for richness.
Best protein add-ins?
Chickpeas, lentils, white beans, quinoa, edamame, or toasted nuts. For extra oomph, add a hard-boiled egg if you include eggs.
If you tried the Fall Salad recipes or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it goes in the comments. We love hearing from you!
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