The Perfect Salad for Autumn/Winter
- Brittany Bartel
- Nov 30, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2024
Inspired by my love of a big salad, this recipe combines the season’s best ingredients into a fresh, filling meal that’s a breeze to put together. I often make this salad on my lunch break using meal-prepped Easy Air Fryer Chicken, however, this salad would be great for any turkey you have leftover from Thanksgiving too!
This salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also versatile. Not an apple fan? Swap it out for juicy pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and sweetness. If blue cheese is too bold, try goat cheese for a milder, creamy twist. The best part? You can make it yours, just by switching up a few things.
Why This Salad is Perfect for Autumn/Winter
Apples and sweet potatoes are two ingredients that scream autumn, while pomegranate and goat cheese are perfect for winter, and pairing them with the richness of blue cheese and the warmth of roasted turkey or air-fried chicken makes for a salad that feels just as cozy as a bowl of soup but lighter. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to add seasonal veggies and protein to your routine without much work.
Ingredients
Spring Mix – I use a store-bought blend of spinach, radicchio, arugula.
Sweet potatoes – Roasted until tender, these bring a subtle sweetness and earthy flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Apple – Thinly sliced for a crisp bite. (Swap with pomegranate seeds if you’re feeling adventurous!)
Red onion – Adds just a touch of sharpness to balance the sweetness.
Air-fryer chicken – This is a lifesaver for me! A few minutes in the air fryer, and it’s golden and juicy. (You could also use rotisserie chicken in a pinch.)
Blue cheese – Crumbled for that tangy punch. (Not a fan? Goat cheese is a lovely, creamy substitute.)
Vinaigrette – A simple homemade or store-bought vinaigrette that won’t overpower the ingredients.
Maple-glazed walnuts – Store-bought sweet and crunchy, these bring warmth and balance to the dish.
How to Make the Perfect Salad for Autumn/Winter
Prepare the Chicken Check out my recipe for Easy Air Fryer Chicken here or warm up your turkey in the air fryer - only a couple minutes, otherwise you risk dry meat.
Roast the Sweet Potatoes Dice your sweet potatoes, put them in the microwave for 2.5 minutes. Once done in the microwave, toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and throw them in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes or until soft and caramelized.
Assemble the Salad Start with a base of mixed greens, then add sweet potatoes, apples, red onion, blue or goat cheese, and maple-glazed walnuts. Place the sliced chicken on top and finish with a drizzle of vinaigrette. Toss lightly or leave as is for a beautiful presentation.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Autumn/Winter Salad
Ingredient Swaps: Switch up the apples with pomegranate seeds for a juicy twist, or use goat cheese instead of blue cheese if you prefer something milder.
Meal Prep: Roast extra sweet potatoes and prep the chicken ahead for easy assembly. The salad comes together in minutes when you have everything ready.
Vinaigrette: I make my own with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
Making It Your Own
This salad is all about celebrating seasonal flavors, but don't feel bound by the recipe. Adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, and feel free to mix in whatever fall produce you love. This salad is a template, a starting point that you can customize to fit your tastes and pantry staples.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this salad on its own as a light lunch or pair it with a warm slice of sourdough for a satisfying dinner that won’t leave you feeling heavy. (And speaking of sourdough, if you’re curious about making your own, check out my sourdough series!)
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