Last Updated on October 4, 2025 by recipeinspire

Autumn Chopped Salad: 5 Reasons It’s Your New Fall Favorite

Have you ever wondered how you can enjoy delicious fall flavors while keeping your meals fresh and light? Autumn Chopped Salad is here to satisfy your cravings with its vibrant colors and nutrient-packed ingredients. Packed with seasonal produce, this salad not only delivers in taste but also offers numerous health benefits. Let’s explore five irresistible reasons to adore this fall staple and discover how it can fit seamlessly into your meal prep routine!

Ingredients List

Here’s a list of ingredients for your Autumn Chopped Salad. Feel free to get creative or swap some items based on what’s in season or available at your local market!

• 4 cups chopped mixed greens (like kale, spinach, or arugula)
• 1 cup diced apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work beautifully)
• 1 cup shredded Brussels sprouts
• ½ cup diced butternut squash (roasted for optimum flavor)
• ½ cup sliced radishes
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (use goat cheese as an alternative)
• ¼ cup pecans (or walnuts)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Preparing your Autumn Chopped Salad only takes about 20 minutes—an impressive feat considering that the average salad recipe may take up to 30 minutes! Here’s the breakdown:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time (for roasting squash): 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (if roasting) or 20 minutes (if using raw ingredients)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Toss with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 15 minutes or until tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Greens

While the squash is roasting, chop your mixed greens and place them in a large salad bowl. This is the foundation of your Autumn Chopped Salad, so make sure to chop them well for easy eating!

Step 3: Chop the Fruits and Veggies

Dice the apples and slice the radishes. Toss these into the salad bowl along with the shredded Brussels sprouts.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once the butternut squash is roasted, allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the bowl. Then add the crumbled feta and pecans or walnuts.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Pour over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Nutritional Information

This Autumn Chopped Salad not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes your body. Here’s a quick look at its nutritional profile:

• Calories per serving: Approximately 250
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 6g
• Healthy Fats: 18g

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to enhance your nutritional needs, and enjoy the benefits of seasonal produce.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make your Autumn Chopped Salad even healthier, consider these substitutions:

• Swap Feta with Nutritional Yeast: For a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Use Quinoa: Add ½ cup of cooked quinoa for extra protein and fiber.
• Put in More Veggies: Consider throwing in some roasted beets or carrots for additional vitamins.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty Autumn Chopped Salad can be a standalone meal, but it also pairs well with:

• Grilled chicken or turkey for added protein.
• A side of whole-grain bread for a complete meal.
• Homemade vinaigrette to elevate the flavor even further.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-dressing the salad: Less is more when it comes to salad dressings. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

2. Not letting the squash cool: Adding hot squash can wilt your greens. Allow it to cool slightly for the best texture.

3. Skipping seasonality: While you can make this salad year-round, adapting ingredients based on seasonal availability enhances flavor and freshness.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Autumn Chopped Salad fresh:

• Store in an airtight container: This keeps the greens crisp.
• Keep the dressing separate: Mix the dressing in just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Consume within 3 days: For the best flavor and texture, aim to finish the salad within three days of preparation.

Autumn Chopped Salad

---

• Author: Recipe Inspire
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Autumn Chopped Salad is hearty, colorful, and packed with seasonal flavors. With apples, cranberries, pecans, and a tangy dressing, it’s the perfect fall side dish for any meal or holiday gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
• 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup roasted butternut squash cubes (optional, for extra fall flavor)
• Dressing:
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

---

Instructions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine, diced apple, dried cranberries, pecans, cheese, red onion, and roasted butternut squash (if using).
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy a fresh, flavorful autumn salad.

Notes

Make ahead tip: Prepare the dressing separately and chop ingredients in advance. Toss just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salads
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: autumn chopped salad, fall salad, thanksgiving salad, apple pecan salad, chopped salad recipe

Conclusion

The Autumn Chopped Salad is a delightful blend of fall flavors, nutrition, and easy meal prep. With its vibrant colors and health benefits, it’s no wonder it has quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re planning a simple family meal or preparing for a gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ready to bring this crisp delight to your table? Try it out today and experience the goodness! Don’t forget to share your creations and insights or explore more recipes that celebrate the bounty of autumn.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep all your ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just combine and dress when you’re ready to serve.

Q: What variations can I try?
A: Feel free to experiment! You could add grilled chicken, swap fruits for others like pears, or include lentils for added texture.

Q: Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Just ensure you keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for maximum freshness.

Enjoy trying out the Autumn Chopped Salad and happy cooking!