It's the holiday season and it's that time of year where it's easy to overindulge!
I love a beautiful grazing table and a hefty charcuterie board, but this time of year when we are gathering with family I know I tend to snack my way into overstuffed.
Getting creative with greens and turning them into a balanced but light meal helps me feel energetic for my days full of work, kids and extra gatherings with family and friends.
I've got 5 delicious examples of hearty fall salads full of greens, vegetables, protein, and fruit to keep you feeling satisfied but not full and tired. These will keep you eating healthy this holiday season!
First is this Arugula Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese. This is hands down a favorite salad of mine! Especially when we have fresh arugula from our tunnels, goat cheese from Charuth at Dutch girl, and a juicy in-season pear. Try subbing local pecans for the walnuts and add micro greens or shoots for a super dose of nutrition!
Next, give this Roasted Sweet Potato, Pear & Pomegranate Spinach Salad a try. With the sweetest fall spinach from our high tunnels, local pecans, beautiful sweet potatoes from Pekarek's, goat cheese from Dutch Girl, and a dressing from Dogpatch, this salad will absolutely be a fresh and local hit. I never think of putting roasted roots in with my salad but the spinach can 100% handle the sweet potatoes!
This is an inspiring and versatile Autumn Cobb Salad that will give you a ton of ideas to create your own. There are so many opportunities with a cobb salad to use what you have, embellish it a bit and still feel satisfied when you're finished.
Check out this Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad as an option that isn't as heavy on the greens. It is winter squash season and the butternut squash could be subbed for any of the other beauties we offer: acorn, delicata, kabocha, or butterkin. Using quinoa from The Grain Place, local pecans, onions, and spices from Mat at Tamayta, this salad could be a meal or a side dish for the whole family! Plus, it will be excellent breakfast leftovers, which is one of my favorite kinds of breakfast!
Last but not least, check out this Rotisserie Chicken Kale Salad with Apples and Cheddar. This is a delicious combo of flavors and a great way to use up roasted chicken leftovers, and the kale can easily be subbed out for any combination of other greens.
I hope you feel inspired to treat yourself to a healthier holiday season with these 5 fall salad ideas!