Name: Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp whole grain mustard; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix); 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), thinly sliced; ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts; ½ cup dried cranberries; ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta; ¼ red onion, thinly sliced; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp maple syrup; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you’re craving the essence of autumn in a gorgeous, nourishing salad, you’ll absolutely adore this Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad. Imagine perfectly roasted salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and tangy maple-mustard sauce, flaked over a bed of fresh greens, crisp apples, toasted nuts, cranberries, and creamy goat cheese—all drizzled with a punchy vinaigrette. This dish balances hearty and fresh, with every bite a reminder of cozy meals shared during the fall season.

Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad looks vibrant but is truly easy to assemble, thanks to just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item brings its own pop of color, flavor, or satisfying crunch—so don’t skip a thing if you want the full cozy experience!

Salmon fillets (4, about 6 oz each): The star of the show, providing rich, flaky protein and heart-healthy fats.
Maple syrup (2 tbsp): Pure autumn sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on your roasted salmon.
Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Lends a sharp, tangy bite that balances the maple’s sweetness.
Whole grain mustard (1 tbsp): Adds bursts of texture and an earthy, robust flavor to the glaze.
Olive oil (1 tbsp for salmon, plus 3 tbsp for dressing): Keeps everything moist and provides a silky base for the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tsp for salmon, 1 ½ tbsp for dressing): A touch of acidity lifts and brightens both the glaze and the vinaigrette.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to make each flavor sing.
Mixed greens (6 cups): Try spinach, arugula, or a spring mix for a fresh foundation bursting with nutrients.
Crisp apple (1, thinly sliced): A pop of sweetness and crunch—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith all shine.
Toasted pecans or walnuts (½ cup): Roasting brings out their nutty warmth and adds a satisfying crunch.
Dried cranberries (½ cup): Sweet-tart little gems that bring cheerful color and chewiness.
Crumbled goat cheese or feta (⅓ cup): Creamy, tangy, and just rich enough—swap for blue cheese if you like a stronger flavor.
Red onion (¼, thinly sliced): Adds a bright, zesty edge to the salad mix.
Dijon mustard (1 tsp, for dressing): Repeat appearance for punchy flavor in the vinaigrette.
Maple syrup (1 tsp, for dressing): Echoes the salmon glaze, tying the whole dish together.

How to Make Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon and Oven

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step sets the stage for perfectly roasted, tender salmon—the heart of your Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad experience.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Maple Mustard Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon, whole grain mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or mini whisk to blend until smooth and glossy. This glaze not only brings sweet-tangy flavor, but because it caramelizes in the oven, it makes the salmon irresistible.

Step 3: Glaze and Roast the Salmon

Arrange the salmon fillets on your prepared baking sheet, then brush each generously with the maple mustard mixture. Pop them in the oven and roast for 12 to 15 minutes—just until the flesh flakes easily at the center. The maple in the glaze will deepen in color and create a beautiful, sticky finish.

Step 4: Make the Maple Mustard Dressing

While the salmon roasts, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a jar or bowl. Shake or mix until it emulsifies into a silky vinaigrette. The trick here is balance: you want the pickle-y brightness to offset all the other autumn flavors in the salad.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large bowl or on a sprawling platter, arrange your mixed greens. Top with apple slices, toasted pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese or feta, and wisps of red onion. Think abundance—this is meant to be a showstopper! Every topping adds a new layer of flavor and texture to your Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad.

Step 6: Flake, Dress, and Serve

Once the salmon is just cool enough to handle, use a fork to gently flake it into large, juicy pieces and nestle them over the salad. Drizzle everything with your homemade maple mustard dressing, and give it a few generous cracks of black pepper for good measure. Plate up and dig into autumn on a dish!

How to Serve Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad

Garnishes

Garnish your Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad with an extra sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese, a handful of fresh microgreens, or a few fresh thyme leaves for a touch of elegance. An extra scattering of toasted nuts or even a light zest of lemon can also make the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

This salad stands strong as a main dish, but if you want to round out the meal, serve with a hunk of warm, crusty bread or roasted sweet potatoes. A bowl of creamy butternut squash soup as a starter is another soul-soothing choice for a chilly fall evening.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, assemble the Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad on a large platter, artfully layering the salad ingredients and salmon for a tableside presentation. Or, portion each component in bowls for a fun DIY salad bar—let everyone build their perfect bowl! You can even turn leftovers into wraps, tucking everything into a whole wheat tortilla for an easy lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad, store the salad and salmon separately whenever possible. Keep the undressed salad mix in an airtight container and refrigerate the cooked salmon fillets in another container for maximum freshness (up to two days). Always store the dressing in a small jar so it stays bright and emulsified until you need it.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked salmon for up to one month, freezing doesn’t do the delicate greens, apples, or cheese any favors. If you want to batch-cook, prepare the salmon fillets ahead of time and freeze them individually. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling a fresh salad base.

Reheating

To reheat the salmon for your next salad, warm it gently in a low oven (300°F) for about 8 minutes, or microwave on low in 30-second bursts just until heated through. Flake and add back to the cold salad ingredients, being careful not to overheat and dry out the fish.

FAQs

Can I use another fish besides salmon?

Absolutely! Arctic char, steelhead trout, or even firm white fish like cod work wonderfully in place of salmon. Just keep an eye on roasting time, as thinner fillets may cook faster.

How can I make this salad dairy-free?

To create a dairy-free Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad, simply omit the cheese or substitute with your favorite plant-based alternative. The salad will remain creamy and satisfying thanks to the tender salmon and avocado, if you want to toss some in!

Which apples are best for this recipe?

For that quintessential crisp bite and a sweet-tart balance, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples are all fantastic choices. Slice them thin for a beautiful look and fresh crunch in every forkful.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Definitely! Roast the salmon, prep your toppings, and store each component separately. Toss the salad and flake the salmon just before eating for the freshest taste and crunch.

What can I substitute for maple syrup?

If you’re out of maple syrup, try honey for a floral sweetness or a blend of agave and a hint of molasses to mimic that deep, autumnal flavor profile in your Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a more satisfying way to celebrate the flavors of fall than with this Harvest Maple Mustard Salmon Salad. Cozy yet fresh, beautiful on the table, and full of comforting layers, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to share. Trust me—give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite for you and your loved ones!