If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed salad that truly captures the essence of the season, you’ll love this Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of crisp greens, sweet roasted butternut squash, tangy feta, and crunchy candied pecans, all brought together with a creamy, perfectly balanced maple mustard vinaigrette. This salad feels like a warm hug on a cool autumn day, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect dish to brighten your table any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and plates on a white marbled surface, each containing different food items. One white bowl holds a mix of small radishes in red, purple, and white colors. Another white bowl has toasted pecans with a dark brown, wrinkled texture. There is a white plate with several pieces of crispy cooked bacon, showing dark and reddish-brown shades. A white plate contains a soft, crumbly white cheese. A small glass jar in the center holds a golden-yellow dressing with small seasoning specks and a silver spoon inside. A larger white plate in the top right corner is filled with fresh green and deep purple leafy greens. Near the jar, half a butternut squash with bright orange flesh and visible seeds lays directly on the white marbled surface. Two green apples with shiny skins sit near the squash. A white citrus juicer and two lemon halves with bright yellow color also appear on the surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe plays a vital role in creating depth, texture, and seasonal charm. From the earthiness of the butternut squash to the bright snap of fresh apples, these ingredients build a harmonious symphony in every bite.

5 oz greens: A fresh, leafy base that adds crunch and a mild peppery flavor.
1/2 cup roasted butternut squash: Adds natural sweetness and a tender contrast to the greens.
1/2 cup sliced green apple: Brings a crisp tartness that cuts through the richness of other ingredients.
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Offers a creamy, salty burst that elevates the entire salad.
1/4 cup thinly sliced radish: Provides a peppery crunch and vibrant color.
1/4 cup chopped candied pecans: Introduces a sweet, nutty crunch that complements the savory elements.
4 strips bacon, sliced and cooked: Adds smoky, crispy texture and a hearty flavor punch.
1/2 cup olive oil: The smooth base for the vinaigrette, making it rich and luscious.
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Delivers tang and brightness to balance the sweetness.
1/4 cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness that makes the vinaigrette irresistible.
2 cloves garlic: Adds a savory depth to the dressing.
2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard: Gives the vinaigrette its distinctive, slightly spicy kick.
1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice: Lifts the flavors, adding a fresh citrus brightness.
1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste): Essential for enhancing all the vibrant flavors.
Pepper to taste: Adds just the right bit of warmth and complexity.

How to Make Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and combine the salad ingredients

Start by gathering your salad components and adding the greens, roasted butternut squash, sliced green apple, crumbled feta, radish, candied pecans, and cooked bacon strips into a large serving bowl. Having all these vibrant, flavorful pieces ready creates a colorful base that promises a variety of textures and tastes in every forkful.

Step 2: Blend the Maple Mustard Vinaigrette

Next, toss all the vinaigrette ingredients—olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, whole grain Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper—into a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend or pulse until the dressing becomes smooth and creamy. This vinaigrette is the magic behind the salad’s harmonious balance, marrying sweet, tangy, and savory notes together effortlessly.

Step 3: Dress and toss your salad

Drizzle the freshly blended maple mustard vinaigrette over your assembled salad. Toss everything gently to ensure every leaf and ingredient is lightly coated in that luscious dressing. This ensures a burst of flavor in every bite without overwhelming the delicate balance of textures.

How to Serve Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe

A white bowl filled with a layered salad on a white marbled surface, starting with a base of dark leafy greens like spinach and lettuce. On top of the greens are roasted orange squash cubes, crisp green apple slices, thin purple-red onion slices, and toasted brown pecans. Crumbled white cheese and crispy dark brown bacon pieces are scattered around the bowl. A drizzle of mustard vinaigrette dressing with visible mustard seeds covers some parts of the salad. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To put a finishing touch on your Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or thyme. A handful of extra candied pecans or a few thin apple slices on top create an inviting presentation and add an extra pop of crunch or color.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with heartier dishes, making it an excellent companion to roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a creamy butternut squash soup. The crispness and refreshing flavors of the salad balance savory sides perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings or elegant dinners, serve this salad in individual clear glass bowls to showcase its beautiful layers and vibrant colors. Alternatively, present it buffet-style in a large wooden bowl for a rustic fall vibe that invites guests to serve themselves generously.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, keep the salad and vinaigrette stored separately for the best texture. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, but keep in mind the greens may lose some crispness over time.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The fresh ingredients like apples and greens don’t freeze well, and the vinaigrette may separate once thawed.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary. If you are serving it alongside warm dishes, keep the salad chilled until ready to serve to maintain that refreshing crispness.

FAQs

Can I substitute another type of squash for the butternut squash?

Absolutely! Kabocha or acorn squash work well as alternatives, offering a similar sweetness and texture that complements the salad beautifully.

Is there a vegan version of the Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and feta cheese, or substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese option, and use coconut bacon or roasted chickpeas for added crunch and flavor.

How long does the maple mustard vinaigrette keep?

Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, the vinaigrette remains fresh for up to one week. Give it a good shake before each use, as natural separation may occur.

Can I use store-bought candied pecans?

You certainly can! Just make sure they are fresh to keep that perfect crunch. Homemade candied pecans add a lovely personal touch but aren’t necessary for a great salad.

What type of greens work best in this salad?

A mix of baby kale, arugula, and spinach works perfectly, providing a nice balance of tender and slightly peppery notes that enhance the salad’s flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again because it beautifully celebrates the best flavors of fall with every bite. It’s fresh, sweet, tangy, and savory all at once—and the maple mustard vinaigrette is simply to die for. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with friends and family for a truly memorable meal.

Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and combine the salad ingredients