10 Hearty Fall and Winter Salads That Could Double as Main Dishes

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Bacon and Onions
Photo: Christina

When the weather turns toward autumn and winter, the crisp, light salads of summer tend to go by the wayside in favor of more substantial fall and winter salads that incorporate seasonal produce like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and more. You can serve these heartier salads as side dishes, or add the protein of your choice to turn them into satisfying, vegetable-packed main dishes. Scroll through to find 10 of our favorite hearty fall and winter salads.

01 of 11

Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad

Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad
Photo by Jennifer Baker.

"A sweet and tangy fall salad with a bit of crunch and nuttiness tossed in from the pecans. I love pecans, so I often double the amount." —BORY

02 of 11

Warm Brussels Sprout Salad with Hazelnuts and Cranberries

Warm Brussels Sprout Salad with Hazelnuts and Cranberries in a white dish
mauigirl

"Brussels sprouts, hazelnuts, and cranberries combine to make a salad that even kids will want to eat. The colors and flavors make a great fall or holiday side dish." —Amy McEver

03 of 11

Roquefort Pear Salad

Close up of pear, mixed green, and pecan salad
chibi chef

"This is the best salad I've ever eaten and I make it all the time. It's tangy from the blue cheese, fruity from the pears, and crunchy from the caramelized pecans. The mustard vinaigrette pulls it all together." — Michelle Krzmarzick

04 of 11

Glazed Walnut, Orange, Avocado, and Blue Cheese Salad

Glazed Walnut, Orange, Avocado and Blue Cheese Salad

"A wonderfully easy salad. I made this for Christmas dinner and it was gone."—Elaine

05 of 11

Roasted Yam and Kale Salad

Roasted Yam and Kale Salad on a white dish
Linda(LMT)

"A bright contrast in flavors makes this salad a favorite among friends and family. The yams have a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with the caramelized onions and kale." —Anonymous

06 of 11

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
Chef Sous Chef

A unique take on the average caesar salad, using shaved brussels for added flavor and texture. The dressing fully coats the greens for a delicious bite everytime.

07 of 11

Fuyu Persimmon and Burrata Caprese Salad

Fuyu Persimmon and Burrata Caprese Salad
Photo by Kim's Cooking Now. Kim's Cooking Now

Late summer meets early fall in this convergence of seasonal ingredients. "The delicate, sweet persimmon flesh pairs well with creamy burrata in this super simple caprese salad. Drizzled with a balsamic glaze and embellished with fresh basil leaves make a beautiful presentation." —Kim's Cooking Now

08 of 11

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Feta

roasted sweet potato salad with feta

Be sure to roast the sweet potatoes enough for a good char, as this enhances flavor and adds an extra level of texture.

09 of 11

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Bacon and Onions

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Bacon and Onions
Christina

"Roasted butternut squash is sautéed with onions, then tossed with crumbled bacon, toasted pecans, raisins, and chopped romaine lettuce, then drizzled with maple syrup dressing to make a tasty, warm salad." —Marcia

10 of 11

Arugula Persimmon Pear Salad

arugula persimmon salad
PCT

A seasonal winter salad that has vibrant colors and delicious flavors. Serve this up as an appetizer or main meal. Toast the walnuts ahead of time for optimal flavor.

Updated by
Emily Boyette
Emily Boyette

Emily Boyette is a highly qualified editor within the food media industry with eight-plus years of experience. From galleries and listicles to recipe manuscripts and articles, her knowledge of cooking goes beyond text. Emily is a writer for Allrecipes.

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