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There’s something magical about the first cool breeze of autumn. The world quiets down, leaves begin their slow transformation, and kitchens everywhere fill with the comforting aroma of roasted vegetables. This salad was born on one of those evenings when I wanted something cozy yet fresh, something that captured the warmth of fall but still felt bright and alive.
I remember roasting a pan of root vegetables while the sun dipped low and golden across the windowsill. Their edges caramelized beautifully, turning sweet and earthy. Tossed with crisp greens, creamy feta, and a simple lemon vinaigrette, the salad tasted like a walk through autumn woods: comforting, grounding, deeply nourishing.
Even now, each time I make it, the dish feels like a soft exhale, a reminder to slow down, savor the colors, and welcome the season’s gentle rhythm.
Recipe Steps
step- 1
Start with a bed of leafy greens in a bowl. I used the OXO Good Grips 3 Quart Mixing Bowl, but any bowl you already have works perfectly.
step- 2
Add the roasted root vegetables on top, spreading them evenly. I roasted mine earlier on a Wilton Recipe Right Baking Sheet, though any baking sheet at home is completely fine.
step- 3
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted walnuts over the vegetables.
step- 4
Add a pinch of fresh thyme if using.
step- 5
Drizzle lemon vinaigrette over the salad, then add a tiny drizzle of maple syrup if you enjoy a hint of sweetness.
step- 6
Toss everything gently. I used the Cuisinart Silicone Spatula, but your regular home spatula will do the job just as well.
Roasted Autumn Root Vegetable Salad
This roasted autumn root vegetable salad blends caramelized seasonal vegetables with crisp greens, tangy feta, crunchy walnuts, and a simple lemon vinaigrette. It is comforting, wholesome, and perfect for cozy fall lunches or light dinners. Optional thyme and maple syrup add earthy and lightly sweet finishes that elevate every bite.
Roasted Autumn Root Vegetable Salad Ingredients
Instructions
- Place leafy greens in a bowl.
- Add roasted root vegetables on top.
- Sprinkle feta cheese and walnuts.
- Add fresh thyme if using.
- Drizzle lemon vinaigrette and optional maple syrup.
- Toss gently and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 22mg8%
- Sodium 380mg16%
- Potassium 820mg24%
- Total Carbohydrate 44g15%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 10g20%
- Vitamin A 14500 IU
- Vitamin C 34 mg
- Calcium 210 mg
- Iron 2.4 mg
- Vitamin D 0.4 IU
- Vitamin E 2.1 IU
- Vitamin K 118 mcg
- Thiamin 0.12 mg
- Riboflavin 0.16 mg
- Niacin 2.3 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 85 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.4 mcg
- Biotin 9 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.9 mg
- Phosphorus 210 mg
- Iodine 18 mcg
- Magnesium 63 mg
- Zinc 1.1 mg
- Selenium 3.8 mcg
- Copper 0.18 mg
- Manganese 0.64 mg
- Chromium 6 mcg
- Molybdenum 7 mcg
- Chloride 260 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days but keep dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
Use goat cheese instead of feta or pecans instead of walnuts. Swap lemon vinaigrette for balsamic if preferred.
Serve warm over greens, alongside grilled chicken, or as a cozy fall side dish.
Do not overdress the salad or roast vegetables at too low a temperature or they may become mushy.
Roast vegetables until caramelized for the deepest flavor and toast walnuts lightly for added aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I make this salad vegan?
Use vegan feta or remove cheese and add extra nuts.
Q. Can I use different vegetables?
Yes any root vegetables work well.
Q. Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes roast vegetables in advance and assemble just before serving.
Q. Should the salad be served warm or cold?
It tastes best slightly warm from the roasted vegetables.


