Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves start to paint the landscape with vibrant hues, I find myself craving hearty, wholesome meals that celebrate the season. One afternoon, while rummaging through my pantry, I found a treasure trove of ingredients begging to be transformed into something beautiful. Thus was born my Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing—a dish that not only nourishes but also enchants the senses.

Imagine the sweetness of roasted butternut squash mingling with the crunch of honey crisp apples, all drizzled with a creamy, nutty dressing that captures the essence of fall. With each bite, you'll experience a symphony of flavors, making this salad a delightful centerpiece for any meal. Whether you're looking to break free from the monotony of fast food or simply want to embrace healthy, homemade choices, this salad offers an easy, satisfying solution. Join me in celebrating the abundance of autumn with this vibrant, vegetarian salad that’s perfect for any occasion!

Why is Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing perfect?

Vibrant colors: The combination of roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, and lively greens creates a feast for the eyes.
Nutty dressing: The creamy maple tahini dressing ties everything together, offering a unique twist that enhances each bite.
Healthful ingredients: Packed with nutrients, this salad is a wholesome option for those seeking nutritious, homemade meals.
Seasonal flavors: Celebrate the essence of autumn with fresh, seasonal ingredients that highlight the bounty of the harvest.
Quick preparation: With simple steps and easily accessible components, you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Impressive presentation: Whether as a main course or side dish, this salad promises to wow your family and friends at gatherings.

Fall Harvest Salad Ingredients

• For an impeccable Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing.

For the Salad

Cubed Butternut Squash – Adds sweetness and earthy flavor; substitute with sweet potatoes for a different taste.
Olive Oil – Used for roasting and in the dressing; any neutral oil can work as a substitute.
Cinnamon – Enhances sweetness and provides warmth; a unique flavor that needs no substitute.
Salt – Enhances the salad’s flavors; use kosher or sea salt for the best results.
Lacinato Kale (Dino Kale) – A nutritious, hearty base; substitute with curly kale if it's unavailable.
Honey Crisp Apples – Offers crispness and sweetness; any sweet apple like Fuji or Gala can be used.
Pomegranate Arils – Provides bursts of sweetness; dried cranberries are a suitable substitute.
Feta Cheese – Adds creaminess and saltiness; goat cheese can be swapped for a tangy twist.
Pepitas – Contributes crunch and protein; sunflower seeds can be a nutty alternative.

For the Maple Tahini Dressing

Tahini – A creamy base with nuttiness; almond butter can be used as an alternative.
Maple Syrup – Sweetens the dressing naturally; honey can be a different sweetness substitute.
Lemon Juice – Adds acidity and brightness; lime juice offers a zesty alternative.
Red Wine Vinegar – Provides depth and tanginess; substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed.
Garlic – Adds depth to the dressing; garlic powder acts as a quick substitute.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper – For seasoning; adjust according to your taste.

How to Make Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing

Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and cinnamon on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the squash is golden brown and tender to the fork.
Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl or jar, mix together tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake or stir until well combined, adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
Prep the Kale: Remove the stems from the lacinato kale and chop the leaves finely. In a bowl, massage the chopped kale with a pinch of salt for a few minutes until it wilts and softens, enhancing its texture.
Combine the Salad: In the bowl with the kale, add the roasted butternut squash, sliced honey crisp apples, pomegranate arils, pepitas, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Dress and Serve: Drizzle the maple tahini dressing over your salad, mix well to combine, and feel free to add any additional toppings you desire. Toss everything together again, and enjoy your vibrant salad!

Optional: Top with additional pepitas for extra crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing components are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can roast the butternut squash and prepare the tahini dressing up to 3 days in advance. Simply roast the cubed squash, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and sweetness. The dressing can also be mixed and stored in a jar, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. When you're ready to enjoy the salad, massage and prepare the kale, then just combine the prepared squash, fresh ingredients like apples and feta, and drizzle the dressing right before serving for a fresh, delicious meal that's just as vibrant as when made fresh!

What to Serve with Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing?

Creating the perfect meal is all about pairing flavors and textures that complement one another beautifully. Let's explore some delightful accompaniments to elevate your dining experience.

Grilled Salmon: The smoky richness of grilled salmon adds a heavenly contrast to the salad's fresh flavors, making it a filling main course.
Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa pilaf with herbs offers a nutty undertone that rounds out the meal while remaining harmonious with the salad's seasonal notes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a satisfying crunch and earthiness, balancing the sweetness of the maple tahini dressing perfectly.
Warm Dinner Rolls: Freshly baked, warm rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra dressing—perfect for those who crave a comforting side that’s easy to share.
Apple Cider: This subtly sweet beverage mirrors the salad's apple components, enhancing the overall flavor profile and making for a refreshing sipper.
Pumpkin Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of pumpkin pie. The familiar fall flavors create a lovely seasonal connection to the salad.

Embrace these pairings to celebrate the warmth and bounty of autumn in every bite!

Storage Tips for Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing

Fridge: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container and consume within 3–5 days for optimal freshness.

Dressing Storage: Keep the maple tahini dressing in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Shake or stir before use as ingredients may separate.

Avoid Wilting: For best results, store the salad components separately; add dressing just before serving to prevent the kale from wilting.

Freezing: Avoid freezing the assembled salad, as it may compromise the texture; however, you can freeze roasted butternut squash for up to 3 months and add it fresh later.

Expert Tips for Fall Harvest Salad

Perfect Squash Roasting: Ensure the butternut squash is fork-tender and golden, but avoid over-roasting to keep it intact.
Massage the Kale: Properly massaging the kale boosts its texture, making it more palatable and delicious in this Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing.
Customize Your Dressing: Use a mason jar to shake the dressing ingredients together, allowing you to easily adjust flavors to suit your taste preferences.
Substitution Smart: Don't hesitate to experiment with substitutes, like goat cheese instead of feta, to add a unique twist while keeping the dressing flavorful.
Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing experience, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine with these customizations that will elevate your salad experience!

Quinoa Boost: Add cooked quinoa for a hearty grain component, enriching texture and protein. It transforms your salad into a filling main dish.
Vegan Twist: Swap feta cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative to keep the flavors intact while making it fully vegan-friendly.
Nutty Crunch: Toss in roasted walnuts or pecans to give your salad an extra layer of crunch and delightful earthy notes. A delicious contrast to the creamy dressing!
Fruit Fusion: Use pears instead of apples for a different sweet profile, enhancing your salad with juicy, tender bites perfect for fall.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle heat that balances out the sweetness of the maple and apples. An exciting twist for spice lovers!
Herbal Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh burst of flavor, complementing the earthy elements of the salad beautifully.
Dried Fruits: Replace pomegranate arils with raisins or chopped dried apricots to add chews of sweetness and a sticky texture that will pair wonderfully with the tahini dressing.
Citrus Zest: Brighten up the dressing with a bit of orange or grapefruit zest, enhancing the flavors and infusing a refreshing acidity that sings of autumn!

Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing Recipe FAQs

What type of butternut squash should I use?
Absolutely, for this salad, fresh, firm butternut squash is preferred. You'll want to avoid squash with dark spots or soft spots, as this indicates overripeness. A good butternut squash should feel heavy for its size, with smooth, tan-colored skin.

How do I store leftover salad properly?
To keep your Fall Harvest Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the kale from wilting. This way, you'll enjoy a crisp and vibrant salad even on day five!

Can I freeze any components of the salad?
Yes, you can! While it's not advisable to freeze the assembled salad due to texture concerns, roasted butternut squash can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding it to your salad.

What if my tahini is too thick for the dressing?
Very easily, if you find your tahini too thick, simply add a bit more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. Start with a teaspoon, mix well, and continue until it’s silky and pourable. Remember, the dressing should coat the salad without being clumpy!

Are there any common allergies to be aware of with this recipe?
Definitely! This Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing contains common allergens such as nuts (in tahini) and dairy (in feta cheese). If you're cooking for someone with nut allergies, you might substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter. For a dairy-free version, feel free to replace feta with a vegan alternative like crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What can I do if I don't like the taste of kale?
Not a problem! If kale isn't your favorite, you can easily swap it for fresh spinach or arugula, which have a milder flavor. Alternatively, finely chopped romaine lettuce works beautifully, providing a lovely crunch while remaining light and fresh!