This healthy fall salad wows with its combination of sweet, salty, and tangy elements.
Salads have a bad reputation for being boring and flavorless but this salad proves this stereotype wrong!
The simple baby spinach is brightened by the ginger, honey, and balsamic dressing that has a careful balance of heat sweetness, and tanginess.
The cheese swoops in to add the hit of saltiness that this salad needs. This is all topped off with crunchy hazelnuts that add that essential texture.
The addition of pear and pumpkin to make it more filling means this salad is ideal as a healthy side or light main for fall gatherings.
It’s the perfect addition to a fall meal that celebrates all the flavors we love in this season.
Why you will love this Healthy fall salad with balsamic dressing recipe…
Healthy Fall Salad with Pear, Pumpkin, Hazelnuts, and Ginger-Honey Balsamic Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 2 ripe pears
- 1 cup cubed pumpkin
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ⅓ cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
- Olive oil (for roasting)
For the Ginger-Honey Balsamic Dressing:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Ingredients
Step 1- Roast the Pears and Butternut
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place pear slices and butternut cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush with a small amount of olive oil to keep them moist and prevent sticking.
- Season the butternut with salt and pepper.
- Roast for about 15 minutes, or until pears and pumpkin are tender and caramelized around the edges. Allow to cool slightly.
Step 2- Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper.
- Whisk or shake until well blended and set aside.
Step 3- Assemble the Salad
- In a large serving bowl, place the baby spinach or mixed greens as the base.
- Arrange the warm roasted pear slices on top.
- Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese, then add the hazelnuts.
Step 4- Dress and Serve
- Drizzle the salad with the ginger-honey balsamic dressing.
- Gently toss before serving to distribute the dressing, or serve with dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served while the pears and pumpkin are still slightly warm for a more comforting feeling. This is a great salad to serve as an appetizer or side salad but it is also hearty enough to be a meal on its own.
Here are a few dishes that this salad would go well with:
🧑🍳 Expert Tips
Storage Suggestions
Healthy Fall Salad with Ginger-Honey Balsamic Dressing FAQs
What is the healthiest salad I can eat?
The healthiest salads are those that incorporate leafy greens like kale, spinach, and arugula. These ingredients are low calorie but they are also packed with vitamins A, C, and K, folate, calcium, and fiber.
What makes it a fall salad?
The inclusion of seasonal vegetables like pumpkin and pears set this salad apart from other seasonal salads.
What is the most unhealthy salad dressing?
The most unhealthy salad dressings are those that are mayonnaise-based because they are high in fat.
