35 Apple-Inspired Salad Recipes for Fall That You’ll Love

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. The crisp air, the beautiful foliage, and, of course, the abundance of delicious apples make it truly special. There's something magical about incorporating this versatile fruit into every meal, especially when I can throw together a delightful salad.

Today, I want to share with you "35 Apple-Inspired Salad Recipes for Fall That You’ll Love." These recipes are not only healthy and vibrant but also promise to bring a burst of fresh autumn flavors to your table. So grab your favorite kind of apple, and let’s dive into these recipes that'll surely make your taste buds dance with joy.

1. Classic Waldorf Salad

A timeless favorite combining apples, celery, and walnuts

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, chopped
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Combine apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Add the mayo mixture to the salad, toss well, and season with salt and pepper. Serve chilled.

2. Apple and Cheddar Kale Salad

A hearty and nutritious blend of kale, apples, and sharp cheddar

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and finely chopped
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
• ¼ cup almonds, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Massage kale with a bit of salt until it softens. Add apples, cheddar, and almonds. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Pour dressing over salad, toss well, and season with salt and pepper.

3. Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad

A delightful blend of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and fresh spinach

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup pecans, toasted
• ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:
Arrange spinach on a serving platter. Top with apple slices, cranberries, feta, and pecans. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and serve immediately.

4. Apple Cucumber Dill Salad

Refreshing and light with a hint of dill

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, julienned
• 2 cucumbers, sliced thin
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• ¼ cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine apples, cucumbers, onion, and dill. In a small bowl, mix yogurt and apple cider vinegar. Pour over salad, toss well, and season with salt and pepper.

5. Apple Pomegranate Salad

A brightly colored salad that’s as tasty as it is beautiful

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, chopped
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 avocado, diced
• ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:
In a large serving bowl, combine the apples, pomegranate seeds, mixed greens, goat cheese, and avocado. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and serve.

6. Apple and Quinoa Salad

Protein-packed and flavorful with a hint of sweetness

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and cooled quinoa
• 2 apples, chopped
• 1 cup arugula
• ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Mix quinoa, apples, arugula, and walnuts in a bowl. Whisk together olive oil and lemon juice. Pour over the salad, toss, and season with salt and pepper.

7. Apple and Beet Salad

A vibrant and earthy mix

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 2 medium beets, roasted and sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup chopped chives
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
On a serving plate, layer mixed greens, apples, and beets. Sprinkle with goat cheese and chives. Whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar. Drizzle over the salad and season with salt and pepper.

8. Curried Apple Chicken Salad

A spicy and sweet delight

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 apples, chopped
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup chopped almonds
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine chicken, apples, raisins, and almonds. In a small bowl, mix yogurt, curry powder, and lemon juice. Add to the larger bowl, toss well, and season with salt and pepper.

9. Apple and Sweet Potato Salad

A great side dish combining autumn’s best

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, roasted and cubed
• 2 apples, chopped
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Combine sweet potatoes, apples, and pumpkin seeds in a large salad bowl. Add spinach. Whisk together olive oil and maple syrup. Pour over salad, toss well, and season with salt and pepper.

10. Honeycrisp Apple and Farro Salad

Chewy farro and crisp apples create a hearty bite

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked farro
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
• 1 cup arugula
• ¼ cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:
Mix farro, apples, arugula, gorgonzola, and cranberries. Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette. Toss well and serve.

11. Spicy Apple and Avocado Salad

A unique twist with a bit of heat

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Combine apples, avocado, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl. Drizzle with lime juice, toss gently, and season with salt and pepper.

12. Apple Carrot Slaw

Perfect for a picnic or a side dish

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, grated
• 2 carrots, grated
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• ¼ cup mayo
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Mix grated apples and carrots in a bowl. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, and mayo. Pour over the slaw, toss well, and season with salt and pepper.

13. Apple Arugula Salad with Pecans

Simple yet stunning with peppery arugula and sweet apples

Ingredients:

• 4 cups arugula
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, apples, pecans, and Parmesan. Whisk together olive oil and white wine vinegar. Drizzle over salad and toss well. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

14. Thai-Inspired Apple Salad

A zesty twist with fresh herbs and a tangy dressing

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, julienned
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 carrot, julienned
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt to taste

Instructions:
Combine apples, cabbage, and carrot in a bowl. Add mint, cilantro, and red chili. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, and honey. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and season with a bit of salt.

15. Harvest Apple and Bacon Salad

The perfect balance of sweet and savory

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup blue cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup pecans, chopped
• ¼ cup ranch dressing

Instructions:
In a large salad bowl, toss together bacon, apples, mixed greens, blue cheese, and pecans. Drizzle with ranch dressing and serve immediately.

16. Apple Fennel Salad

A refreshing and crisp combination that’s lightly sweet

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a serving bowl, combine apples, fennel, and mixed greens. Sprinkle with pistachios. Whisk together lemon juice and olive oil. Pour the dressing over the salad and season with salt and pepper.

17. Apple and Pear Salad

A seasonal favorite with a delightful duo of fruits

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 pear, sliced
• 4 cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup raspberry vinaigrette

Instructions:
Arrange spinach on a large serving plate. Top with apple and pear slices, walnuts, and feta. Drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette and serve.

18. Apple and Prosciutto Salad

A touch of luxury with salty prosciutto and sweet apples

Ingredients:

• 4 slices prosciutto, roughly torn
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 4 cups arugula
• ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Toss together prosciutto, apples, arugula, and Parmesan in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

19. Apple and Brussels Sprouts Salad

A crunchy and flavorful medley

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, chopped
• 2 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• ¼ cup dried cherries
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix apples, Brussels sprouts, almonds, and dried cherries. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and season with salt and pepper.

20. Smoked Turkey and Apple Salad

A smoky and hearty main course salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups smoked turkey breast, sliced
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup honey mustard dressing

Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine smoked turkey, apples, mixed greens, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Drizzle with honey mustard dressing and toss gently.

21. Apple and Goat Cheese Endive Boats

A fancy appetizer that’s sure to impress

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, chopped
• 1 head endive, separate leaves
• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup pecans, chopped
• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions:
Fill each endive leaf with a bit of chopped apple, goat cheese, and pecans. Drizzle with honey before serving.

22. Apple and Grapefruit Salad

A zingy and refreshing mix

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, chopped
• 1 grapefruit, segmented
• 4 cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
• 3 tbsp grapefruit juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Combine apples, grapefruit, spinach, and pistachios in a bowl. Whisk together grapefruit juice and olive oil. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and season with salt and pepper.

23. Apple and Chickpea Salad

A protein-rich, flavorful salad

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 apples, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Mix chickpeas, apples, bell pepper, red onion, and feta in a large bowl. Whisk together lemon juice and olive oil. Pour over salad and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper.

24. Apple and Kiwi Salad

A tropical twist to the classic fruit salad

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, chopped
• 3 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:
In a bowl, combine apples, kiwis, cucumber, and mint. Whisk together lime juice and honey. Drizzle over the salad, toss well, and serve.

25. Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

A filling and tasty main course salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 apples, chopped
• ¼ cup pecans, toasted
• ¼ cup celery, chopped
• ¼ cup Mayo
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a bowl, mix chicken, apples, pecans, and celery. Stir in mayo and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper, and serve chilled.

26. Apple and Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A crunchy, colorful mix

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, julienned
• 3 cups red cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, julienned
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine apples, red cabbage, and carrot. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and honey. Pour over coleslaw, toss well, and season with salt and pepper.

27. Apple and Avocado Green Salad

Creamy avocado and crisp apple in a bed of greens

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Toss together apples, avocado, mixed greens, sunflower seeds, and feta in a serving bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

28. Apple and Mango Salad

A sweet and slightly tangy combination

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, chopped
• 2 mangoes, chopped
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup cashews, toasted
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Combine apples, mangoes, and mixed greens in a large bowl. Sprinkle with cashews. Whisk together lime juice and honey. Drizzle over the salad and season with salt and pepper.

29. Apple and Tequila Lime Shrimp Salad

A zesty seafood delight

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, cooked and peeled
• 2 apples, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, diced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup tequila
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a bowl, combine shrimp, apples, avocado, red onion, and cilantro. Whisk together tequila and lime juice. Pour over salad, toss gently, and season with salt and pepper.

30. Apple-Date Arugula Salad

Sweet dates and crisp apples in a peppery salad

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, chopped
• ¼ cup dates, chopped
• 4 cups arugula
• ¼ cup almonds, sliced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Mix apples, dates, arugula, and almonds in a salad bowl. Whisk together lemon juice and honey. Pour over the salad, toss well, and season with salt and pepper.

31. Apple and Roasted Pumpkin Salad

Perfect blend of fall’s finest produce

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, chopped
• 1 small pumpkin, roasted and cubed
• 4 cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup pecans, toasted
• ¼ cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Combine apples, roasted pumpkin, spinach, pecans, and blue cheese in a serving bowl. Whisk together apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Drizzle over the salad, toss well, and season with salt and pepper.

32. Apple and Blackberry Salad

A sweet and tangy mix of fruits

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 cup blackberries
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup almonds, sliced
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a bowl, combine apples, blackberries, mixed greens, gorgonzola, and almonds. Whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Pour over the salad, toss gently, and season with salt and pepper.

33. Apple and Cucumber Raita Salad

An Indian-inspired cooling side

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, grated
• 1 cucumber, grated
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• Salt to taste

Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine grated apples and cucumber with yogurt. Stir in cumin powder and fresh mint. Season with salt and serve chilled.

34. Apple and Pear with Maple Dressing

Sweet, nutty, and perfect for a chilly day

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 pear, sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Arrange mixed greens, apple, and pear slices in a salad bowl. Sprinkle with walnuts and goat cheese. Whisk together maple syrup and olive oil. Drizzle over the salad, toss gently, and season with salt and pepper.

35. Apple and Sweet Corn Salad

A unique mix of apple, corn, and fresh herbs

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, chopped
• 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen and thawed)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Combine apples, sweet corn, bell pepper, and parsley in a bowl. Whisk together lime juice and olive oil. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and season with salt and pepper.

Conclusion

Creating salads that are inspired by the abundance of fall apples has become one of my favorite ways to savor the season. Each of these 35 apple-inspired salad recipes delivers a unique flavor profile, ensuring that there's something for everyone.

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, these salads bring a burst of color, texture, and taste to your table. I hope you enjoy making and relishing these recipes as much as I do. Here’s to a delicious and flavorful fall!