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As the crisp air of fall settles in, it’s the perfect time to embrace hearty, wholesome meals that celebrate the season’s bounty.
Grain salads are an ideal choice—offering comforting textures, rich flavors, and endless versatility.
With warming spices, roasted vegetables, and seasonal fruits, these 25+ fall grain salad recipes blend nutrition and deliciousness in every bite.
Whether you’re seeking a vibrant side dish for your holiday table or a satisfying meal on its own, these salads showcase the best of autumn’s grains like farro, quinoa, barley, and more.
They make healthy eating both easy and exciting.
25+ Delicious Fall Grain Salad Recipes for Lunch or Dinner
Fall grain salads offer a wonderful way to bring seasonal ingredients to your table while nourishing your body with fiber-rich grains and wholesome add-ins.
These 25+ recipes provide something for every palate—whether you crave sweet, savory, warm, or chilled options.
As you explore the variety, you’ll discover how simple it is to create meals that are both comforting and refreshing.
This makes autumn dining a truly delicious experience.
Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl
This Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl bursts with nutty farro, roasted butternut squash, and crisp apples, creating a medley of warm and refreshing textures in every bite.
A tangy apple cider vinaigrette ties it all together, infusing the salad with a sweet-sharp aroma that’s quintessentially fall.
Earthy kale adds a hearty backbone while dried cranberries and toasted pecans lend a chewy-crunchy contrast.
Whether served as a side for roast chicken or enjoyed as a standalone lunch, this bowl delivers comfort and vibrancy in equal measure.
Warm Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables
The Warm Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables is a cozy celebration of fall’s best produce—think caramelized carrots, sweet parsnips, and brussels sprouts kissed with golden edges.
Farro’s chewy texture anchors the dish, while a garlic-lemon dressing adds a fragrant lift.
The interplay of savory, sweet, and tart makes it perfect for chilly evenings or as a colorful addition to any holiday spread.
It’s a satisfying meal on its own, but also pairs effortlessly with grilled meats or a soft poached egg.
Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Salad
This Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Salad is a rustic mosaic of smoky-sweet flavor and chewy comfort.
Wild rice provides a toothsome base, while roasted sweet potatoes melt in your mouth with every forkful.
Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme brighten the mix, and a drizzle of maple-Dijon dressing adds a subtle warmth.
Crunchy pecans and tart dried cherries create delightful contrasts in both flavor and texture.
Serve it warm or cold—it’s as at home on a potluck table as it is in a weekday lunchbox.
Barley Salad with Mushrooms and Goat Cheese
With its umami-rich mushrooms and creamy crumbles of goat cheese, this Barley Salad with Mushrooms and Goat Cheese is pure autumn indulgence.
Barley offers a slightly nutty base with a tender bite, while sautéed mushrooms release a woodsy aroma that fills the kitchen.
Fresh spinach wilts just enough from the warmth, and toasted walnuts add a buttery crunch.
Elegant yet simple, this salad transitions easily from casual dinner side to a vegetarian main with substance.
Quinoa Salad with Roasted Beets and Feta
In this Quinoa Salad with Roasted Beets and Feta, jewel-toned beets bring earthy sweetness and visual drama to a fluffy bed of quinoa.
Crumbled feta lends a creamy saltiness that perfectly complements the tender root vegetables.
A citrusy vinaigrette adds brightness, while pumpkin seeds introduce a nutty, satisfying crunch.
The flavors evolve as the salad sits, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for gatherings or quick weekday meals.
Spelt Salad with Roasted Grapes and Arugula
This Spelt Salad with Roasted Grapes and Arugula is a delightful twist on fall grain salads, featuring the unexpected burst of caramelized grapes.
Spelt’s hearty chew pairs beautifully with the peppery zing of arugula, while crumbled blue cheese offers a bold, tangy bite.
Toasted hazelnuts bring depth and a toasty aroma, rounding out the dish’s complexity.
It’s an elegant option for a dinner party or a luxe weekday lunch that feels anything but ordinary.
Roasted Pumpkin Farro Salad
This Roasted Pumpkin Farro Salad captures fall in every golden, forkful bite with sweet roasted pumpkin and nutty farro.
Aromatic sage and shallots add a savory depth that fills the kitchen with warm, herbaceous notes.
Creamy goat cheese crumbles bring a tangy contrast, while toasted pepitas provide a crunch that lingers.
Enjoy it warm for cozy dinners or chilled as a hearty grain bowl for lunch.
Apple Pecan Quinoa Salad
The Apple Pecan Quinoa Salad is a bright and refreshing mix of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors.
Crisp apples and toasted pecans play beautifully against fluffy quinoa and a maple vinaigrette.
Fresh parsley and green onions lend herbaceous balance, while dried cranberries add chewy, tangy pops.
Perfect for potlucks or as a light but satisfying standalone meal.
Brown Rice Kale Salad
This Brown Rice Kale Salad is a robust, fiber-rich option layered with earthy, toasty, and zesty notes.
Nutty brown rice and massaged kale are paired with roasted carrots and red onion for warmth and sweetness.
A lemon-garlic tahini dressing ties everything together with creamy acidity and a slight citrus tang.
Ideal as a side dish or a clean, energizing lunch on cooler days.
Butternut Wheatberry Salad
The Butternut Wheatberry Salad blends chewy wheatberries with caramelized butternut squash and tart pomegranate seeds.
It’s hearty yet fresh, with each bite offering a burst of color and texture.
A light orange vinaigrette adds a citrusy zing that enhances the natural sweetness of the squash.
This salad holds up well, making it perfect for meal prep or autumn gatherings.
Cranberry Wild Rice Salad
The Cranberry Wild Rice Salad delivers bold seasonal flavors with every chewy, nutty mouthful.
Wild rice mixes with celery, scallions, and parsley, while dried cranberries provide a sweet contrast.
Toasted almonds add a buttery crunch, and a Dijon vinaigrette brings it all into balance.
Delicious served warm or chilled, and an easy fit for holiday tables.
Lentil Couscous Salad
This Lentil Couscous Salad is a protein-packed twist on a fall grain bowl, full of texture and gentle spice.
Tender green lentils and fluffy couscous form the base, with roasted red peppers and carrots offering mellow sweetness.
A cumin-spiced lemon dressing adds warmth and a citrusy lift that lingers on the palate.
Great as a vegetarian main or served alongside roasted meats for a full meal.
Harvest Barley Salad
This Harvest Barley Salad combines chewy barley with roasted root vegetables and tangy dried cranberries for a rich autumn flavor.
Toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while a mustard-honey dressing brings a sweet and zesty balance.
The hearty texture and vibrant colors make it perfect for lunch or a side to your favorite fall roast.
Spiced Quinoa Salad
The Spiced Quinoa Salad features fluffy quinoa infused with warm cinnamon and cumin, paired with roasted squash and pomegranate seeds.
Fresh cilantro and a citrusy dressing brighten the dish, creating layers of sweet, tart, and earthy flavors.
This salad is wonderfully versatile, great as a nutritious lunch or a festive addition to holiday meals.
Warm Millet Salad
This Warm Millet Salad offers a comforting mix of nutty millet, sautéed mushrooms, and caramelized onions.
A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tang, enhancing the savory and slightly sweet notes.
Enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian main or a flavorful side that complements roasted poultry beautifully.
Autumn Quinoa Bowl
The Autumn Quinoa Bowl is a vibrant combination of quinoa, roasted Brussels sprouts, and dried cherries, delivering a perfect balance of textures.
A maple-Dijon dressing adds warmth and a touch of sweetness, while toasted pumpkin seeds offer a crunchy finish.
Perfect on its own for a nourishing lunch or alongside grilled meats for dinner.
Wheatberry Cranberry Salad
This Wheatberry Cranberry Salad pairs chewy wheatberries with tart dried cranberries and crisp celery for refreshing crunch.
A lemony vinaigrette brightens the earthy grains, making the dish both light and satisfying.
It’s an excellent make-ahead salad for busy weekdays or casual gatherings.
Lentil Grain Salad
The Lentil Grain Salad combines tender lentils and hearty grains like farro or barley with roasted vegetables and fresh herbs.
A tangy vinaigrette ties the ingredients together, creating a dish full of bold flavors and diverse textures.
Serve it warm or cold as a filling lunch or a nutritious side for your fall dinners.
Farro Apple Salad
This Farro Apple Salad blends chewy farro with crisp apple slices and crunchy walnuts, creating a vibrant fall texture mix.
A maple mustard dressing adds sweet and tangy notes that perfectly complement the earthy grains.
Ideal as a standalone lunch or a fresh, hearty side to roasted meats.
Pumpkin Millet Salad
The Pumpkin Millet Salad pairs fluffy millet with roasted pumpkin chunks and toasted pepitas for a delightful fall flavor.
Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the natural sweetness, while a citrus vinaigrette adds brightness.
Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep lunches that celebrate autumn’s bounty.
Barley Beet Salad
This Barley Beet Salad combines nutty barley with sweet roasted beets and tangy goat cheese for a rich, colorful dish.
Toasted pistachios add crunch, and a balsamic glaze brings a luscious depth of flavor.
Enjoy it warm or chilled as a satisfying side or a light vegetarian meal.
Conclusion
Embracing fall grain salads is a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the season while enjoying nutritious, filling dishes.
With these 25+ recipes, you have a wealth of inspiration to elevate your meals with hearty grains, vibrant veggies, and bold dressings.
Whether you prepare them as main courses or sides, these salads will keep your autumn menu exciting and satisfying all season long.
