Hey there, lovely salad lovers! 🍂

Welcome to the September edition of the Salads for Lunch newsletter—where the air is crisp, the leaves are starting to turn, and the farmers’ markets are overflowing with the very best of the season. Let’s dive into what’s fresh this month and uncover the mouthwatering salads I’m whipping up over on the blog.

What’s in Season Right Now?

September is when late summer and early fall collide in the most delicious way. Expect to see:

• Fruits: Apples (crisp and juicy), pears, grapes, cranberries, pomegranates, blueberries, and mandarin oranges.
• Veggies: Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, beets, kale, spinach, green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower.

These produce powerhouses are versatile, budget-friendly, and oh-so-flavorful in salads!

Spotlight Salads You Can Find on the Blog

I’ve gathered 25 of my favorite fall-inspired salads that celebrate September’s bounty. Here are a few standouts to add to your meal plan:

• ​Blueberry, Apple, Cranberry & Kale Salad​
  A crunchy, colorful mix of kale, apples, blueberries, and cranberries—boosted with crispy bacon, tangy goat cheese, and a creamy balsamic vinaigrette. Pure seasonal magic.
  
• ​Apple Cabbage Coleslaw​
  Think crisp, refreshing, and ready in 5 minutes—this coleslaw pairs sweet apples with crunchy cabbage for a bright side dish that’s perfect for gatherings.
  
• ​Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad​
  Tender chicken, dried cranberries, pecans, and celery coated in a creamy, honey-Dijon dressing. Such a balanced, satisfying combo.
  
• ​Cranberry & Mandarin Orange Salad​
  Fresh greens meet sweet mandarin slices, cranberries, almonds, all dressed in an Orange Poppy Seed dressing—refreshing and light!
  
• ​Harvest Quinoa Salad​
  A hearty, plant-based gem with roasted sweet potatoes, red apple, spinach, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, quinoa, and an apple cider vinaigrette. Gluten-free, colorful, and dazzling for the eyes—and your tastebuds!
  
• ​Vegan Fall Salad with Creamy Mustard Tahini Dressing​
  Packed with roasted sweet potatoes, crispy chickpeas, creamy avocado, kale, sunflower seeds, all tossed in a tangy mustard-tahini dressing. Veggie-forward and soul-warming!
  
• ​Mixed Green Salad with Apple & Goat Cheese​
  A crisp and elegant blend of salad greens, apples, raisins, toasted walnuts, and goat cheese, drizzled with a zesty balsamic dressing. Simple, yummy, and vegetarian-friendly.

Why These September Salads Are Worth Celebrating

1. They’re bursting with seasonal produce – apples, squash, cranberries, kale… the best of September is here.
2. Nutrient-packed and flavorful – full of texture and taste, from crunchy apples to creamy goat cheese to hearty sweet potatoes.
3. Adaptable and inclusive – vegan-friendly, gluten-free, easy to customize—something for every taste and lifestyle.

Final Thought

September’s harvest is simply irresistible—and these salads capture that seasonal richness perfectly. Whether you’re serving lunch for one or feeding a crowd, they bring beauty, flavor, and wholesome goodness to the table.

As always, I’d love to hear which salad you’re trying first. Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment—your feedback always warms my heart (and my feed!).

Here’s to a delicious fall ahead!

Happy salad making, Janice ​salads4lunch.com​ ​​​​ Click to explore more great recipes salad dressing ideas hearty salad ideas easy soup ideas ​ If you ever have a question, want to tell me something, or just want to say hi, you can find me at the following places: ​Pinterest // TikTok // Facebook // Instagram // Salads for Lunch​ Loving these recipes? ​Buy me a coffee! It's like a thank you note, with extra love.

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