10 Hearty Fall Salads That Are Actually a Full Meal

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I am a firm believer that salad can absolutely be dinner, but only if it is the right kind of salad. These are the ones that actually fill you up – packed with grains, protein, roasted vegetables, and bold dressings that make every bite worth it. No sad desk lunches here. These are the salads that make you genuinely excited to eat your greens all fall long.

Chicken and Wild Rice Salad

Tender chicken, nutty wild rice, crisp apples, chewy dried cranberries, and toasted pecans in a creamy lemony dressing. Every single element here screams fall and the whole thing gets better every day it sits in the fridge. My favorite make-ahead lunch of the season. Full recipe: Chicken and Wild Rice Salad

Apple Pecan Salad

Crisp fresh apples, chewy cranberries, crunchy pecans, raw broccoli, and shaved Parmesan tossed in a maple vinaigrette that is honestly one of the best dressings I have ever made. This salad ends up on my table more often than any other from September through November. Full recipe: Apple Pecan Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato and Feta Salad

Caramelized roasted sweet potatoes over baby kale and spinach with salty feta, jewel-bright pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a tangy lime dressing. It looks absolutely gorgeous on the table and is hearty enough to serve as a main course without anyone feeling short-changed. Full recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Feta Salad

Kale Pomegranate Salad

Hearty massaged kale with juicy pomegranate arils, toasted pecans, crumbled feta, and a tangy lemon pomegranate dressing. Festive, filling, and one of those salads that feels special enough for a holiday table but easy enough for a regular Tuesday night. Full recipe: Kale Pomegranate Salad

Ancient Grains Salad

Nutty farro, peppery arugula, fresh herbs, shaved Parmesan, and crispy homemade za’atar pita chips all tossed in a bright lemony dressing. This one is endlessly satisfying and the kind of salad that makes you feel like you are genuinely taking care of yourself. Full recipe: Ancient Grains Salad

Broccoli Crunch Salad

Crisp raw broccoli, chewy cranberries, slivered almonds, and Manchego in a tangy creamy dressing. The kind of salad that gets better the longer it sits and is completely make-ahead friendly. Full recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Mandarin Chicken Salad

Juicy mandarin oranges, crisp cabbage, tender chicken, and toasted almonds all tossed in a fresh orange ginger dressing that is incredibly bright and punchy. Light but filling, and the most unexpected flavor combination that just completely works. Full recipe: Mandarin Chicken Salad

Spinach and Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula and mild spinach tossed with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy slivered almonds, crumbled feta, and a bright balsamic lemon vinaigrette. It comes together in five minutes and goes with just about any fall dinner you put it next to. Full recipe: Spinach and Arugula Salad

Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, candied walnuts, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette over fresh greens. Light and beautiful but still satisfying enough to eat as a full meal, especially with some grilled chicken on top. Full recipe: Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Tahini Dressing

Cumin and coriander spiced roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas over peppery arugula with jewel-bright pomegranate seeds, all drizzled with a creamy, garlicky tahini dressing. Hearty, stunning on the plate, and the kind of vegetarian salad that genuinely satisfies as a full meal. Full recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Tahini Dressing