Heather Jenkins Closes Out Fall with a Flavorful Seasonal Salad

As the air turns crisp and leaves paint the landscape in shades of gold and amber, Think American News closes out our Fall Recipe Series with health and wellness expert Heather Jenkins’ fifth and final dish — the Autumn Harvest Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette. This fresh, vibrant salad celebrates the best of the season with roasted squash, crisp apples, and a touch of maple sweetness. It’s a perfect reminder that nourishing meals can be both comforting and full of color, bringing balance to the busy days of fall.

Autumn Harvest Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
As the crisp fall air settles in, there is nothing like a colorful seasonal salad to bring comfort and balance to your plate. This Autumn Harvest Salad combines hearty greens, roasted squash, apples, and a light maple vinaigrette for the perfect fall flavor.

Ingredients:
• 4 cups kale or mixed greens
• 1 small butternut squash (peeled, cubed, roasted)
• 1 apple (thinly sliced)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Optional: crumbled goat cheese or feta

Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Roast squash at 400°F for 20–25 minutes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large bowl, toss greens, apples, cranberries, nuts, and squash.
3. Whisk vinaigrette ingredients and drizzle over salad.
4. Top with cheese if desired.

This salad is fresh, satisfying, and loaded with fall flavors perfect as a side or a light main dish.

With this final recipe in Heather Jenkins’ Fall Series, we wrap up five weeks of wholesome, flavorful inspiration designed to make healthy eating easy and enjoyable. From cozy breakfasts to satisfying dinners and snacks, each recipe highlighted how simple ingredients can create big flavor and lasting energy. As we head into the holidays, Think American News encourages you to carry these lessons forward — savoring the season, eating mindfully, and finding joy in every bite.

Ready to reconnect with your purpose and unlock your potential?

Follow Heather Jenkins at @calmconnectwell on Instagram for weekly wellness tips, motivation, and mindset strategies that can transform your life. Calm Connect Well believes that true growth starts with knowing your “why” and staying connected to it every day. Heather’s approach is simple—find your center, set your intentions, and take inspired action.

For more insights and resources, visit calmconnectwell.shop and start your journey to a more mindful, motivated life. Keep showing up for yourself, because a purposeful life creates a stronger, more resilient you.