Thanks for joining Sarah and Me for Meatless Monday today. I am so enjoying finding all kinds of new ways to enjoy the delicious fall veggies. Some of my most favorite recipes come about purely by accident based on what I have in the house at the moment. I knew I wanted to create a filling salad with both warm and room temperature ingredients. This Hearty Fall Harvest Salad with maple balsamic just fell together in one yummy bowl.
Hearty Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
The barley in this Hearty Fall Harvest Salad really gives it well, it’s “heartiness” and makes it a satisfying meal. Most any other grain could be substituted. Quinoa, wheat berries or Farro would all be delicious as well. Of course, whichever grain you choose, it can be prepped in advance and added to your salad.
As part of my weekly meal prep, I usually roast a few veggies to use later in week for different things. Roasted Brussels Sprouts are always one of my favorites so those were definitely going into my Hearty Fall Harvest Salad. As I had received some Delicata Squash in my veggie box last week, those would be roasted too. Pro tip-you can roast and eat the skin on Delicata squash so it holds up really well to roasting and in salads.
What would fall be without apples? Along with the roasted Brussels sprouts and squash, I have mixed in some apples and sharp cheddar cheese. Not a cheese person? Just leave it out. Although have to say, apples and cheese are a phenomenal combination. I threw on some pumpkin seeds and walnuts on top for another layer of crunch. Plus you cannot have too many Omega 3’s and walnuts are a great source.
About that Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette? Super simple to whisk up with a little olive oil, balsamic and a splash of maple syrup. Delicious and the perfect compliment to the Hearty Fall Harvest Salad.
Hearty Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Barley (cooked according to package and cooled)
- 2 cups of Brussels Sprouts
- 1 med Delicata Squash sliced into small slices
- 4 cups of kale or Arugula
- 1 medium apple of your choice -cubed
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese -cubed
- 1/2 C walnut pieces
- 1/3 C pumpkin seeds
- dash of cinnamon and nutmeg
- dressing:
- 1/2 C Olive Oil
- 1/3 C Balsamic
- 2 Tbl Maple syrup
Instructions
- cook barley according to package and allow to cool
- Drizzle squash and Brussels w olive oil
- roast squash (with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg) & brussels at 400 degrees for 15 min
- Prepare a base layer with your greens
- top w barley, squash, Brussels, apples, cheese, nuts and seeds
- combine all dressing ingredients and drizzle on top
Tell me -which fall veggies are you loving right now? Do you like to mix fruit and veggies in your salads?
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I love fruit in my salads and I am loving all the winter squash right now! I just bought a bunch and might just have to use it in this salad!
It’s fun to combine them for a nice flavor blend
This is so similar to a salad I had in Michigan last week. So good!
Oh great hope you give it a try!
This recipe is so perfect for fall! I need to go get Brussels sprouts + squash! <3
They are a great combo!Thanks
Wow. This is yummy. Someday when I retire, I will try your recipes.
ha ha I can’t wait!
This looks like such a good salad! I love the squash on it. Hope you have a nice day and thanks for hosting.
Thanks so much! I am finding all kinds of fun ways to use my squash
Loving all the flavors you’ve packed in this salad especially the squash, apples and brussels! The Maple Balsamic sounds sounds simply delicious!
Thanks I love to combine different textures into my salads to keep from getting bored 🙂
I love the combination of flavors and temperatures in the salad! And maple in the vinaigrette sounds so yummy!
Thanks so much! Hoping you would like it (minus the cheddar) 🙂
Sounds delicious! I had no idea you could eat the skin of the delicata squash once it’s roasted. I’ll have to keep that in mind.
yes you sure can!
Oh my. By the main picture, I thought it was just the acorn squash, but WOW!! Loving all the other flavors too! What a great fall inspired recipe!
Thanks so much hope you give it a try
Looks so yummy!
Thanks my friend!
Interesting salad! I love the apples in there 😉 I’m not really a fan of balsamic, but I bet the maple syrup takes the edge off, right?
Yes it does give it a little sweetness that pairs well with the veggies
Everything about this dish screams fall! Love the colours in this
Thanks so much
I am not a vegetable person. I’m trying to eat them more though! Salads are a great idea for that.
yes it does help. You can hide them in there!
YUM!
I have an acorn squash on the counter I was planning to use for stuffed squash, but this looks fairly delicious too.
so much squash so little time!
Looks great! I love the apple addition
Thanks I like the different textures and temps
This is a great combination. I do love apple in a fall salad. The squash looks great to.
Thanks it’s a super easy one too!
This looks so delicious! I love the combo of flavors here too. I have a Delicata squash in the fridge and I have been wondering what to make with it, this will be perfect!!
Oh great to hear hope you enjoy it!
Don’t laugh but I just tried brussels sprouts earlier this month and they were so yummy! I had them at a restaurant so I’m not sure exactly how they were prepared but they were super crispy. I will definitely eat them more in the future.
They sure are good! I am guessing they used lots of butter 🙂