Irresistible Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing That You’ll Crave All Season Long

As the cooler weather rolls in, nothing celebrates the season like a hearty, colorful Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing. This dish is an ode to everything we love about autumn: sweet roasted butternut squash, crunchy pecans, creamy goat cheese, and vibrant greens—all drizzled with a tangy-sweet maple-lime dressing. It’s an excellent choice whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a side for your fall dinner, or a festive dish for a holiday table.

Looking for an elegant yet easy salad to complement your spread of warm, comforting recipes like stuffed acorn squash or creamy wild rice and mushroom soup? This is the one.

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Why You’ll Love This Fall Salad with Butternut Squash

This autumn salad isn’t just visually appealing—it’s loaded with nutrition and flavor. The creamy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of squash, while the tart cranberries and crunchy nuts add balance. This salad works beautifully for those seeking healthy, whole-food receitas fitness options or simply looking for ways to enjoy the season’s best produce.

Plus, it’s super versatile. Love salads with pumpkin and nuts? Add roasted pumpkin cubes or try a spin using ingredients from recipes like pumpkin cottage cheese pancakes or chocolate chip pumpkin pancakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Autumn Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this seasonal salad to life:

For the Salad

• 1 small butternut squash (about 3 cups or 400g), peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 oz (140g) mixed greens
• 1/2 cup (60g) toasted pecans
• 1/2 cup (100g) dried cranberries
• 4 oz (110g) crumbled goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Maple-Lime Dressing

• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Add-ins: pomegranate seeds, apple slices, or roasted beets work beautifully for more color and flavor.

How to Make Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing

1. Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss the cubed squash in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly and roast for 25–30 minutes until golden and caramelized. Let it cool slightly before adding to the salad.

2. Whisk the Dressing

In a bowl or jar, mix olive oil, maple syrup, lime juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth, tangy glaze.

3. Build the Salad

In a large bowl or platter, layer your mixed greens. Add roasted squash, cranberries, pecans, and crumbled goat cheese. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.

4. Drizzle and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to ensure everything is lightly coated.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and peeler
• Whisk or jar for dressing
• Salad tongs
• Measuring spoons and cups

Flavor Profile: Sweet, Tangy, Creamy, and Crunchy

Every bite of this butternut squash salad with herbs delivers contrast: the roasted squash’s natural sweetness balances the goat cheese’s tang, while the maple-lime dressing lifts the whole salad with citrusy brightness. Toasted nuts and chewy cranberries add just the right bite.

To explore more savory-sweet combinations, check out this seasonal favorite: pumpkin truffles or keep it cozy with slow cooker pumpkin pie oatmeal.

Tips for Perfecting This Autumn Salad

• Roast squash until caramelized for maximum flavor.
• Don’t overdress the greens—use just enough to coat.
• Serve warm squash over the greens for a comforting twist.
• Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.

Want to prep in advance? Roast the squash and mix the dressing up to two days ahead.

Easy Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this dish is how flexible it is:

• No goat cheese? Swap with feta or plant-based cheese.
• Nut allergies? Use roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Extra protein? Add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
• Fruit twist? Try pear slices or apple crisp with oatmeal flavor combos.

This adaptability makes it ideal for families, guests, and meal prep.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips

Serve your salad in a large wooden bowl for a rustic feel, or plate individually for an elegant touch. Garnish with fresh herbs or a few edible flowers. Pair with cozy sides like cheesy mashed potato puffs or garlic butter corn with melty cheese for a fall feast.

What to Serve with This Fall Salad

This salad pairs well with both light and hearty mains. Consider serving it with:

• Garlicky kale with white beans and lemon
• Baked chicken legs
• Vegetarian pasta primavera
• Pumpkin chicken chili for something warming and filling

Stick to herbal teas or a refreshing lavender lemonade to round out the meal.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Don’t under-roast the squash—it should be tender and slightly caramelized.
• Skip bottled lime juice; the flavor difference is noticeable.
• Avoid overdressing to keep the greens crisp.
• Don’t skip toasting the pecans—it elevates their flavor and crunch.

How to Store Leftovers and Meal Prep Tips

For best results, store the components separately. The squash and dressing can be prepped 2–3 days in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep the greens fresh. Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

This salad also makes a great addition to make-ahead meals like these freezer breakfast sandwiches or make-ahead breakfast bowls.

Is This Salad Healthy? A Receitas Fitness Winner

This fall salad is not only delicious—it’s packed with nutrients:

• Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C.
• Goat cheese adds protein and healthy fat.
• Pecans provide heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
• Maple syrup, used sparingly, offers natural sweetness.

It’s a naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and whole-food-based dish—perfect for any receitas fitness lifestyle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpkin instead of butternut squash?
Yes, roasted pumpkin is a great substitute and brings a slightly nuttier flavor.

Can I make it vegan?
Omit goat cheese or replace with vegan cheese for a plant-based version.

Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes—store components separately and combine just before serving.

How long does the dressing last?
Up to 1 week in the fridge. Shake before each use.

Can I serve this warm or cold?
Both! Warm squash over fresh greens adds a lovely contrast.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

This Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing blends the best of the season into one bowl—sweet, savory, herby, and nourishing. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner, festive lunch, or just want to treat yourself to something nutritious and beautiful, this recipe delivers.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it, save it for later, and subscribe to the blog for more wholesome and seasonal dishes. You’ll also love other cozy creations like our pumpkin twists, pumpkin cheesecake cookies, and cranberry cream cheese dip for entertaining.

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