Serve up the best of autumn's harvest with these fall salad recipes that feature cranberries, apple, pecans and more. Each recipe serve 12 or more, so there will be plenty of salad to go around!
40+ Fall Salads for Your Next Potluck
Updated on Aug. 04, 2023
Candy Bar Apple Salad
This creamy, sweet snickers salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
1/40
2/40
Apple Walnut Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The pumpkin seeds and homemade dressing make this salad so special—and healthy too. Add leftover turkey, and you’ve got a main-dish salad. —Bjorg Martin, Noblesville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 227 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 111mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
3/40
Cran-Orange Couscous Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often create salads for summer using a variety of healthy, filling grains. This version with tender couscous is amped up by the bright flavors of oranges, cranberries, basil and a touch of fennel. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 403 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 335mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
4/40
Italian Potato Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 170 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
5/40
Apple Pecan Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember being excited right before Thanksgiving and Christmas, because that's when my family made this salad. There were five children and only the oldest helped peel the apples. It was fun when one of our boyfriends would come for the holiday for the first time. My dad would give him a huge bowl of grapes, hand him a sharp paring knife and tell him to start peeling. We all kept a straight face until he had the first grape peeled. —Debra Slone, Crossville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 250 calories, 14g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
6/40
Harvest Salad with Lime-Curry Dressing
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/3 cups each)
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this salad recipe to help me impress my new husband who loves citrus. We serve the dressing over greens we harvest from our garden—the lime and curry make a fantastic pairing. —Rachel Muilenburg, Prineville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 162 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
7/40
Frito Corn Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Frito corn salad is always requested by friends and family! Super easy and great alongside just about any main course. Quick tip: Wait on adding Fritos until you're about to serve, as they tend to get soggy after a few hours. —Mandy McKinnon, North Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 463 calories, 35g fat (9g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
8/40
Chili Cornbread Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A co-worker brought this wonderful dish to a potluck several years ago. She had copies of the recipe next to the pan. Now I make it for get-togethers and also supply copies of the recipe. I never have any leftover salad or recipes. —Kelly Newsom, Jenks, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 383 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
9/40
Perfect Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my most-requested salad recipe. Serve it as a side salad along with your holiday meal, or enjoy it for lunch the next day with cubed turkey or chicken on top. —DeNae Shewmake, Burnsville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 235 calories, 18g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
10/40
Overnight Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This layered salad is a family favorite from a church cookbook I've had for 40 years. The bacon adds a fabulous crunch. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 206 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
11/40
Holiday Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Light with a hint of sweetness, this lettuce salad recipe will make everyone excited to eat their fruits and vegetables. —Bryan Braack, Eldridge, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 144 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
12/40
Cranberry Waldorf Gelatin
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy this easy-to-make salad in the fall when apples are in season. Their crisp freshness adds so much to a favorite dish. — Debbie Short, Carlisle, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 156 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
13/40
BLT Turkey Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This variation of a BLT salad goes great with a side of garlic bread or garlic toast—it will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. &mdash,Sherry Conley, Noel, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 294 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
14/40
Deluxe German Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this for all occasions because it goes well with any kind of meat. When I take the warm salad to bring-a-dish events, there are rarely leftovers! —Betty Perkins, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 192 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
15/40
Wild Rice, Quinoa & Cranberry Salad
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This fragrant salad is a vitamin and protein powerhouse. Toss in leftover cooked turkey to make it a meal the next day. —Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 317 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 595mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
16/40
Honeydew & Prosciutto Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For parties, I turn melon and prosciutto into an easy salad with a honey mustard dressing. To add zip, stir in fresh basil and mint. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 186 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
17/40
Roasted Beet Salad
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Beets, oranges and spinach sprinkled with goat cheese make a scrumptious new blend for a mixed green salad. The combination may seem unlikely, but I guarantee it will become a favorite. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 125 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
18/40
Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 154 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
19/40
Cornbread Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To feed a crowd, especially when I want to make a good impression, I make this eye-popping cornbread salad. It’s beautiful in a trifle bowl. I love it in summer, when we can make it with our own garden produce. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 367 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
20/40
Crunchy Apple Mixed Greens Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever our staff celebrates a birthday or a special occasion, "Mary's Apple Salad" is always at the top of the wish list! The ingredients can also be prepared the day before and put together in a flash for our teachers' 20 minute lunch time.—Mary Robertson, Louisville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 207 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
21/40
Authentic German Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 344 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
22/40
Pomegranate Persimmon Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To bring some sunshine to the table, I toss up a bright salad of persimmons and pomegranate seeds, dressed with a puckery vinaigrette. —Linda Tambunan, Dublin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 175 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 220mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
23/40
Make-Ahead Hearty Six-Layer Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is an all-time favorite. I reach for the recipe whenever I need a dish to pass. It is easy to make, can be assembled ahead of time and looks marvelous. —Noreen Meyer, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 310 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
24/40
Ramen Noodle Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With added crunch from ramen noodles and sunflower seeds, plus a sweet, glossy dressing, this lively salad is a definite crowd-pleaser! —Beverly Sprague, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 189 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
25/40
Slow-Cooker German Potato Salad
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's the dish everyone looks for at our parties, so we always double the recipe. It was handed down from my mother-in-law and has been a family favorite for years. —Stacy Novak, Stafford, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 318 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
26/40
Apple Salad with Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This seasonal salad will be a hit at any gathering. It’s also easy for weeknights; just halve the recipe. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 87 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
27/40
Layered Salad for a Crowd
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is a favorite of my three sons. I took it to a luncheon honoring our school district’s food service manager, and she asked for the recipe. I like to make the dressing the day before so the flavors blend together. —Linda Ashley, Leesburg, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 151 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
28/40
Apple Maple Pecan Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A well-made salad has good taste and pleasing crunch. This one with cabbage, apples and pecans gets high marks in both, with extra points for color contrast. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 169 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
29/40
Spinach, Apple & Pecan Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One day, company was on the way, and I forgot to buy salad fixings. Scavenging the fridge for ingredients, I pulled these together and invented a salad superstar. —Kelly Walsh, Aviston, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 109 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
30/40
Great Grain Salad
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I can't think of a better dish to round out a meal. My grain salad features all my favorite nuts, seeds and fruits. Try adding grilled chicken to make it a meal on its own. —Rachel Dueker, Gervais, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 368 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
31/40
Ramen Coleslaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter gave me the recipe for this delightful salad. The sweet dressing nicely coats a crisp blend of broccoli slaw mix, onions, almonds and sunflower kernels. Crushed ramen noodles provide even more crunch. It's a smash hit wherever I take it. —Dora Mae Clapsaddle, Kensington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 205 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
32/40
Three-Green Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (about 3/4 cup dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
For a crisp, refreshing side dish, this tasty salad can't be beat. It's the perfect salad to go with lasagna. —Gina Squires, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup salad with 1 tablespoon dressing: 136 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
33/40
Cranberry Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my piano students taught me the perfect lesson in holiday recipes: this fresh cranberry salad. The keys are tangy fruit, fluffy marshmallows and crunchy nuts. —Alexandra Lypecky, Dearborn, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 200 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
34/40
Lemon Rice Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad makes a refreshing side dish for a special occasion meal. I take it to holiday potluck suppers and other family gatherings. People enjoy the combination of flavors, and I like that it can be made ahead. —Margery Richmond, Lacombe, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 247 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
35/40
Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you want something new to try for your Thanksgiving menu, toss this salad together. Fresh spinach leaves are tossed with toasted almonds and dried cranberries and drizzled with poppy seed dressing. It's likely to become a holiday tradition at your house, too. —Michelle Krzmarzick Torrance, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 121 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
36/40
Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Salty pretzels pair nicely with the sweet fruit in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that is a slam-dunk at potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 400 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
37/40
12-Hour Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was Mom's scrumptious scheme to get her kids to eat vegetables. She never had any trouble when she served this colorful crunchy salad. Mom thought this salad was a real bonus for the cook since it must be made the night before. —Dorothy Bowen, Thomasville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 280 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
38/40
Company Green Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I partially put this salad together and take the remaining ingredients (candied nuts, seeds, rice noodles and dressing) to mix in at the potluck. Works perfectly every time. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 162 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
39/40
Fresh Broccoli Salad with Lemon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The slightly sweet flavor of this salad's dressing is a great contrast to the rich bacon. You can substitute cauliflower for the broccoli if you prefer. —Janet Roth, Tempe, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 222 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 520mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
40/40
Potluck German Potato Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a big hit at church potlucks. One man says he comes only so that he can eat my potato salad! —Kathleen Rabe, Kiel, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 194 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
