From farm to fork - Cosy autumn salads

27th Oct 2025

As the evenings draw in and the air turns crisp, we start to crave warmer & heartier meals. But autumn doesn’t have to mean an end to healthy salads - with some simple swaps they can be transformed into a satiating meal that’s seasonal and healthy. A good autumn salad is full of texture and contrasting flavours. Sweet roasted veg with peppery leaves, or crunchy seeds sprinkled over spinach leaves. Whether you need a quick lunch or a comforting side dish, salads can feel just as cosy as a warm stew.

In this blog post we share warming, locally grown salad ideas from our grower McCormack Family Farms.

Home-grown freshness in every leaf

Based in Co. Meath, McCormack Family Farms has been growing vibrant, flavour-packed produce for nearly 40 years. What began as a small family business has blossomed into one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of baby leaves, herbs, microgreens and edible flowers.

By nurturing every leaf from seed to harvest, they ensure that what reaches your plate is as fresh, natural and nutrient-rich as possible. McCormack’s unwashed leaves, for example, stay fresh for longer – keeping your salads crisp and full of flavour throughout the week.

Seasonal eating at its best

These cosy autumn salad ideas are perfect for this time of year – warm, filling, and full of seasonal produce.

Here are a few of their delicious ideas to try:

The Energiser - A warm sweet potato & pearl barley salad
Hearty and wholesome, this salad combines roasted sweet potato with pearl barley and mixed leaves that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Recipe: https://mccormackfarms.ie/recipes/warm-sweet-potato-and-pearl-barley-energiser-salad

Spiced cauliflower salad
A golden, aromatic dish that brings together cauliflower, chickpeas, and a touch of heat — balanced beautifully with McCormack’s crisp baby leaves.

Recipe: https://mccormackfarms.ie/recipes/cauliflowerromescosalad

Roasted aubergine, pomegranate & spinach salad
A burst of colour and texture — earthy aubergine meets juicy pomegranate and tender spinach for a salad that feels truly special.

Recipe: https://mccormackfarms.ie/recipes/veg-wise-roasted-aubergine-pomegranate-and-spinach-salad

Hummus salad bowl
Creamy, fresh and fast to prepare, this plant-based bowl layers hummus, greens, roasted veg and herbs for a quick weekday dinner.

https://mccormackfarms.ie/recipes/mighty-light-hummus-salad-bowl/

Miso chicken family salad
A brilliant way to use up leftover roast chicken. The savoury miso dressing adds depth and umami richness to this warming bowl.

https://mccormackfarms.ie/recipes/salad-supremo-miso-chicken-family-salad/

You can find all five recipes on McCormack’s website here - Cosy Autumn Salads

Keeping healthy this Autumn and Winter

When the weather turns colder, it’s easy to lean on comfort foods and forget about fresh greens, but keeping them in your diet is one of the best ways to support your immune system, energy levels, and mood. Leafy greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with magnesium and antioxidants that help the body handle stress and inflammation.

Eating seasonally also means your food is fresher, more flavourful, and naturally aligned with what your body needs at this time of year. Crisp salad leaves, earthy root vegetables, and hearty grains can come together to make comforting, nourishing meals that feel good and do good.