Name: Dairy-Free Harvest Salad with Spicy Citrus Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale work beautifully); 2 –3 ripe pears (thinly sliced); 1 crisp apple (thinly sliced); ½ cup walnuts (toasted); ½ cup crumbled dairy-free blue cheese (try brands like Follow Your Heart or Violife); ¼ cup fresh orange juice; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option); ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper (to taste)

If you’re looking for a salad that feels special enough for the holidays but easy enough for a weeknight dinner, this Dairy-Free Harvest Salad with Spicy Citrus Vinaigrette is it.

top view of mixed greens with sliced pears and nuts and a serving spoon

It’s crisp, colorful, and packed with textures. From juicy pears to crunchy walnuts and creamy blue cheese. The best part? It’s totally dairy-free, so everyone at the table can dig in!

It is the perfect side dish to your perfectly roasted holiday turkey, Mongolian beef or a geat alternative to our Warm Winter Steak & Brussels Sprout Salad.

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Why You’ll Love This Harvest Salad

This isn’t your average green salad, it’s a flavor explosion that’s sweet, spicy, and a little tangy all at once. The spicy citrus vinaigrette wakes up the flavors of the fruit, while the dairy-free blue cheese adds richness without the dairy. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you want something light yet satisfying.

salad on a plate with a side of sliced pear

Tips for Success

Toast your nuts: It takes just 5 minutes in a dry skillet to bring out their flavor.
Prep ahead: Slice your fruit just before serving to prevent browning, or drizzle with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh. Check out our Meal Prep Tips
Adjust the heat: Love spice? Add a little extra cayenne or a splash of hot honey for a kick.
Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.

Choosing the Best Dairy-Free Blue Cheese

If you’ve never tried dairy-free blue cheese, you’re in for a pleasant surprise! Made from plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, cashews, or tofu, these cheeses mimic the rich, tangy flavor of traditional blue cheese—without any dairy.

Brands like Violife, Follow Your Heart, and Kite Hill offer creamy, crumbly options that melt beautifully into salads or spread perfectly on crackers.

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When using it in this salad, the dairy-free blue cheese adds that signature bite and creaminess that balances the sweetness of the pears and apples. It’s a simple way to keep your dish completely dairy-free and allergy-friendly, while still enjoying all the flavor you love.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats, soups, or pasta dishes. It’s also a showstopper on a holiday spread – fresh, vibrant, and a little unexpected!

salad with mixed greens, sliced pears and toasted nuts

Dairy-Free Harvest Salad with Spicy Citrus Vinaigrette

A fresh, festive salad bursting with fall flavor and creamy dairy-free blue cheese!

Course Appetizer, Salad

Cuisine American

Keyword salad

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients

For the Salad

6 cups mixed greens arugula, spinach, or baby kale work beautifully
2 –3 ripe pears thinly sliced
1 crisp apple thinly sliced
½ cup walnuts toasted
½ cup crumbled dairy-free blue cheese try brands like Follow Your Heart or Violife

For the Spicy Citrus Vinaigrette

¼ cup fresh orange juice
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and cayenne pepper.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing thickens and comes together.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Build Your Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced pears, and apples.
Add toasted walnuts and dairy-free blue cheese crumbles.
Drizzle the spicy citrus vinaigrette over the top and toss gently until evenly coated.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Dairy-Free Harvest Salad with Spicy Citrus Vinaigrette is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With its perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and spice, it’s bound to become one of your go-to salads for any season.

side view of a salad on an oval platter with a wooden serving spoon

Try it once and you’ll be making it again and again!

Harvest Salad with Spicy Citrus Vinaigrette