Celebrate Fall with a Flavorful and Fresh Roasted Vegetable Salad
Sep 30, 2024 ● By Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN
Photo Credit Janie Maxwell

Check out what’s available at your local farmers market as the weather cools. For something new, try roasting vegetables to bring out their natural flavor. Roasting caramelizes the vegetables, adding richness, depth and often a hint of sweetness. You can follow this recipe or use whatever fresh, seasonal vegetables you find at the farmers market. Roast them just before serving or prepare extras for dinner, refrigerate and use the leftovers in the salad the next day—either way, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition.
Autumn Roasted Vegetable Salad
Yield: 4-6 servings
Preheat oven to 400° F and gather these ingredients:
6 carrots (try a rainbow of colors for interest), cut into chunks
1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved or quartered if large
6 red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
1 purple onion, chopped or sliced (can be roasted or added fresh)
5 oz fresh kale, lettuce or spinach, stems removed
2 Tbsp olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Set aside: 2 apples, thinly sliced
¼ lb crumbled goat cheese or other shredded cheese
Wash the vegetables and pat dry; use a salad spinner for the greens. Place cut vegetables on a large sheet pan lined with aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil and then gently toss the vegetables to coat. Season with Kosher salt and pepper. Place on the top rack of the oven, and let roast for about 40 minutes, checking occasionally to avoid burning. Remove when fork-tender and browned. Let cool.
Dressing
4 Tbsp maple syrup 4 Tbsp olive oil
4 Tbsp cider vinegar Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Combine
all the dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid. Shake well and set
aside.
Assemble the salad: Place greens in a large bowl. Add roasted vegetables. Top with sliced apples and crumbled goat cheese. Add the dressing, toss and serve.
Janie Maxwell is the executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA). To find a local farmers market or for more information about ILFMA, visit ILFMA.org.