15 Delicous Fall Salad Ideas For Dinner & Parties

These fall salads bring seasonal flavors and texture to the table—think roasted squash, crunchy apples, toasted nuts, and bold dressings that make each bite feel like the best part of the meal. They’re colorful, filling, and anything but an afterthought. Some are hearty enough to stand alone and work as satisfying comfort food, others make a great side for cozy dinners or big holiday spreads.

All of them use seasonal ingredients and feel fresh without being too complicated to make. I use them as my go-to salad ideas for the fall holidays, from Labour Day to Thanksgiving.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Cooked pasta is tossed with vibrant pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls for a refreshing, herb-forward side. Serve chilled or room temp. A bright and flavorful option for fall potluck ideas that adds something green to the table.

Get the recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Autumn Pasta Salad

Packed with butternut squash, cranberries, pecans, and a maple Dijon dressing, this pasta salad brings bold seasonal flavor. Serve cold or at room temp. A colorful, cozy twist for fall potlucks and family gatherings.

Get the recipe: Autumn Pasta Salad

BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad

Hearty and flavorful, BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad brings together grilled chicken, pasta, and vegetables. It’s tossed in a smoky-sweet barbecue ranch sauce. A SUPER yummy lunch to pack for work or make for family.

Get the recipe: BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad

Apple Cucumber Salad

With a crisp crunch in every spoonful, Apple Cucumber Salad combines juicy apples, refreshing cucumbers, and red onion. A splash of lemon-honey dressing ties it all together – yum!

Get the recipe: Apple Cucumber Salad

Tuna Salad with Egg

Classic and satisfying, this tuna salad combines flaked tuna with chopped hard-boiled eggs for a rich, creamy texture. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sandwiches or lettuce wraps to make for summer picnics and road trips.

Get the recipe: Tuna Salad with Egg

Cranberry Salad Recipe

Old classic – fluff salad but with fall and holiday flavor. Sweet, tart cranberries are blended with sweet oranges, pecans, marshmallows, and whipped topping for a fluffy, chilled side that doubles as dessert. No cooking needed. A festive favorite!

Get the recipe: Cranberry Salad Recipe

Broccoli Salad Recipe

This crisp, colorful salad mixes fresh broccoli, bacon, cherries, red onion, and sunflower seeds with a tangy-sweet dressing. It’s quick to toss together and holds up well at room temp. A crowd-friendly classic for fall potlucks and big family dinners.

Get the recipe: Broccoli Salad Recipe

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Packed with bold flavor, Bacon Ranch Potato Salad features soft potatoes, smoky bacon, and green onions. Rustic and easy to make, tossed with ranch dressing, this salad is tangy and creamy – a perfect side dish for a BBQ cookout.

Get the recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Grape Salad Recipe

Juicy grapes, creamy dressing, and a pecan crunch make this sweet side pop. Chill it ahead so it’s extra refreshing. A cool break from heavy BBQ sides.

Get the recipe: Grape Salad Recipe

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

This salad is creamy and satisfying with tender rotini pasta and crunchy veggies. Crispy bacon and ranch dressing give it a savory, crowd-pleasing twist. And I just love how comforting and filling it is.

Get the recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Inspired by classic deviled eggs, this potato salad is creamy and slightly tangy. It blends boiled potatoes with egg, mustard, and a smooth dressing. Simple but so irresistible!

Get the recipe: Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

Loaded with veggies and tossed in a mayo-based dressing, this pasta salad is quick, versatile, and works with just about any main dish. Great for leftovers, too. A basic but reliable pick for fall salad ideas that never disappoints because it tastes like everyone’s favoirte BLT!

Get the recipe: Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Fruit Salad

Filled with juicy seasonal fruits, this salad is light and naturally sweet. Honey-lime dressing adds a zesty boost. You can use any fruits and berries available. In my recipe, I go with: watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, mango, green and red grapes, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and kiwi. Kids love it!

Get the recipe: Easy Fruit Salad

Best Southern Potato Salad

A classic side, my version of Southern Potato Salad is smooth and rich with tender potatoes – truly the best I’ve made so far! It’s flavored with mustard, mayo, and dill relish.

Get the recipe: Best Southern Potato Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Creamy and soft, this authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad features elbow noodles, scallions, and grated carrots – it is that simple! A tangy-sweet apple cider vinegar and mayo-based dressing gives it island vibes.

Get the recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

These fall salads are the perfect way to bring fresh, seasonal flavor to your table—whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a festive gathering.