This harvest salad recipe combines roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, goat cheese, pecans, and cranberries tossed in a maple vinaigrette. A cozy fall salad that’s gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and full of flavor.

Thanksgiving seems to be a holiday where you either love a salad or have zero desire to look at a bowl of fresh greens, and honestly that’s fair. But me? I love a solid side salad alongside my holiday meal. I usually serve my winter salad with fig jam, and about half of the fam takes a scoop.

But we’ve got a new contender this year! This harvest salad makes a beautiful side dish for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any fall potluck. It’s colorful, full of texture, and brings a fresh balance to all those cozy, comforting dishes on the table. The roasted sweet potatoes and maple vinaigrette make it feel seasonal and special, but it’s simple enough to throw together anytime you’re craving something fresh and fall-inspired.

If you love fall salad recipes that highlight the best seasonal produce, you’ll also enjoy my Chicken Harvest Salad with apples, blue cheese and pears; a cozy mix of sweet and savory with tender roasted chicken and juicy pears.

ingredients for this salad

I wanted to create a fall recipe that’s perfect for the holidays or a potluck that anyone can enjoy. There’s no meat but it’s plenty filling with lots of textures!

12 oz mixed greens: A bag of mixed greens to keep it simple. You can also use spinach or romaine or even kale.
sweet potato: peeled and cubed – Roasted until tender and lightly caramelized. You can also use butternut squash if you’d prefer.
olive oil: Just enough to coat the sweet potatoes for roasting.
spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. these are for the sweet potato.
apples: 1–2 Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, for sweetness and crunch.
goat cheese: adds creamy, tangy flavor (leave out if dairy-free).
pecans: for extra crunch and nutty depth. You can also use chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds.
dried cranberries: a touch of natural sweetness that ties everything together. OR you can add chopped, pitted dates.

ingredients for the maple dijon dressing

I love this maple mustard dressing with the crispy greens, sweet apples, soft sweet potatoes and tangy goat cheese. But you can also dress this salad with my apple cider vinaigrette if you prefer.

extra virgin olive oil: The base of your homemade dressing, adding richness and smooth texture.
apple cider vinegar: Brings bright, tangy balance to the sweet and savory flavors. Red wine vinegar also works well here.
maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the roasted sweet potatoes and apples.
Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a subtle creaminess and helps everything emulsify/blend together.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.

how to bulk up this salad (more filling)

I love this as a side salad for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any fall gathering, but it’s SO flavorful that I completely understand if you’d like to make it a full meal instead of just a side. It’s also great for meal prep – just hold off on adding the dressing until you’re ready to eat!

Quick ways to bulk up this harvest salad:

Chicken or turkey: Grilled chicken, leftover turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken would make it hearty and protein-packed.
Beans or legumes: Roasted chickpeas or cooked lentils are an easy way to add protein while keeping it vegetarian.
Grains: Toss in cooked quinoa, farro, or wild rice to make it extra filling.
Nuts or seeds: Add an extra handful of pecans, walnuts, or roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch and healthy fats.

CAN I MAKE THIS SALAD AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes! It’s easy to assemble your harvest salad in advance. You can wash and prep the greens, roast the sweet potatoes, and store everything in a large bowl in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. For the apples, either toss them in a little lemon juice to prevent browning, or wait to add them just before serving. I’d also hold off on adding the goat cheese and, of course, the dressing until it’s time to eat to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

The Maple Dijon Dressing can be made ahead as well. Store it in the fridge, and before serving, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes and give it a good shake before drizzling over your salad.

What to Serve With This Harvest Salad

This salad is a perfect fall side. It goes really well with turkey, chicken, or ham for Thanksgiving, or enjoy it alongside stuffing, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies for any cozy fall dinner.