Harvest Salad with Lemon Thyme Dressing is a vibrant mix of crisp greens, roasted seasonal vegetables, crunchy nuts, and sweet fruit, all brought together with a bright and zesty lemon thyme dressing. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, hearty, and flavorful ingredients.
I first made this salad when I wanted something that felt both nourishing and full of autumn flavors. The combination of roasted squash, crisp apples, toasted pecans, and tangy dressing made it an instant favorite. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can mix and match ingredients based on what’s in season.
What’s great about Harvest Salad with Lemon Thyme Dressing is its versatility. Serve it as a light meal, pair it with grilled protein, or bring it to a gathering for a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish. With its mix of textures and flavors, this salad is a perfect celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients!
Perfect for:
- Healthy weekday lunches
- Thanksgiving and holiday feasts
- Potlucks and gatherings
- Meal prepping
- Light yet satisfying dinners
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Harvest Salad with Lemon Thyme Dressing will be your new favorite go-to:
- Seasonal Goodness: Features fresh, in-season ingredients for the best flavors.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: A mix of sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite.
- Great Texture Variety: Crisp greens, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and tender roasted veggies.
- Nutritious & Wholesome: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Beautiful enough for entertaining but easy enough for everyday meals.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap out veggies, nuts, or cheese to fit your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and store for a quick, delicious meal.
- Light but Satisfying: A refreshing salad that keeps you full and energized.
- Zesty Homemade Dressing: The lemon thyme vinaigrette ties everything together perfectly.
- Doubles as a Main Dish: Add protein like chicken or chickpeas for a hearty meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Fiber: 6g, Protein: 7g, Healthy Fats: 14g
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, diced
- 1 cup roasted beets, sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- ⅓ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
For the Lemon Thyme Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Butternut Squash & Beets: Roasted for a caramelized sweetness.
- Apples: Add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the roasted veggies.
- Toasted Nuts: Provide crunch and heart-healthy fats.
- Goat Cheese: Lends a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the dressing.
- Lemon Thyme Dressing: A bright, herbaceous vinaigrette that enhances all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Roasted Vegetables:
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season Vegetables: Toss diced butternut squash and sliced beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast: Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized. Let cool.
Make the Lemon Thyme Dressing:
- Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad:
- Layer Greens: Place mixed greens in a large salad bowl or serving platter.
- Add Roasted Veggies: Scatter the roasted butternut squash and beets over the greens.
- Top with Apple Slices: Arrange thinly sliced apples evenly across the salad.
- Sprinkle with Cheese and Nuts: Add crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Finish with Cranberries: Sprinkle dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness.
Dress & Serve:
- Drizzle Dressing: Pour the lemon thyme dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Harvest Salad with Lemon Thyme Dressing:
- As a Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or grilled salmon.
- With a Hearty Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
- In a Wrap: Use as a filling for a whole-grain wrap with extra greens.
- As a Holiday Salad: A colorful and festive dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- With Soup: Serve alongside butternut squash soup or tomato bisque for a cozy meal.
- For Meal Prep: Store in airtight containers without dressing for grab-and-go lunches.
- As a Grain Bowl: Toss with cooked quinoa or farro for a more filling option.
- With Extra Citrus: Garnish with orange slices for an extra burst of flavor.
- With Warmed Nuts: Lightly toast nuts with cinnamon for added warmth.
- With Crusty Bread: Enjoy with a slice of sourdough or whole-grain bread.
Additional Tips
- Mix Up the Greens – Try a combination of baby kale, arugula, and spinach for a more complex flavor and texture.
- Roast Your Nuts – Toast pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their nutty richness.
- Balance the Sweetness – If your salad has sweet elements like apples or dried cranberries, add a pinch of sea salt to the dressing for contrast.
- Let It Marinate – Toss the salad with half the dressing and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Crisp Up the Apples – Soak sliced apples in lemon water to prevent browning and keep them fresh and crunchy.
- Make It Hearty – Add roasted butternut squash or quinoa for a more filling meal.
- Layer the Flavors – Place hearty ingredients like nuts and cheese at the bottom before tossing to ensure even distribution.
- Double the Dressing – Make extra lemon thyme dressing and store it in the fridge for up to a week—it’s great on grain bowls and roasted veggies!
- Go for Creamy – A sprinkle of goat cheese or feta adds a creamy contrast to the crisp veggies and tangy dressing.
- Serve at the Right Temperature – For the best taste, let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Recipe Variations
- Kale Harvest Salad: Swap mixed greens for massaged kale for a sturdier texture.
- Vegan Version: Use maple syrup instead of honey and omit cheese or use vegan cheese.
- Cheese Swap: Try blue cheese or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.
- Extra Protein: Add chickpeas, grilled tempeh, or hard-boiled eggs.
- Citrus Twist: Add orange zest to the dressing for a brighter flavor.
- Sweet & Spicy: Drizzle with a touch of hot honey for a sweet heat contrast.
- Grain Boost: Mix in wild rice, quinoa, or barley for a heartier dish.
- Balsamic Dressing Option: Substitute the lemon thyme dressing with a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Pear Instead of Apple: Swap apples for sliced pears for a different fruit element.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For roasting vegetables evenly.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing apples and chopping nuts.
- Salad Spinner: Helps keep greens fresh and crisp.
- Whisk: For emulsifying the dressing.
- Large Salad Bowl: For easy tossing and serving.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs: To mix salad ingredients gently.
FAQ Section
- What ingredients are in the Harvest Salad?
The Harvest Salad features a mix of fresh greens, roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, dried cranberries, candied pecans, and crumbled goat cheese. - What’s in the Lemon Thyme Dressing?
The dressing is made with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and fresh thyme for a bright, herby flavor. - Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The Lemon Thyme Dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and shake well before using. - Is this salad suitable for vegans?
It can be! Simply omit the goat cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. - Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even quinoa are great additions for extra protein. - How do I store leftovers?
For best results, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. - What can I use instead of butternut squash?
Sweet potatoes or roasted carrots make great alternatives with a similar texture and sweetness. - Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about 1/3 the amount since dried thyme has a more concentrated flavor. - What’s the best way to serve this salad?
It’s perfect as a side dish or a light main course. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. - Can I make this salad nut-free?
Of course! Swap out the pecans for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Conclusion
Harvest Salad with Lemon Thyme Dressing is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that celebrates the best of seasonal ingredients! Crisp greens, roasted squash, crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruit, and tangy goat cheese come together in perfect harmony, all tossed in a bright and herby lemon thyme dressing.
Customize it by adding grilled chicken for protein, swapping in apples or pears for extra sweetness, or using toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch. Serve it as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a show-stopping holiday salad!
I can’t wait to see how your Harvest Salad with Lemon Thyme Dressing turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!