As summer winds down and the busy fall season begins, it’s the perfect time to refresh your plate with recipes that are simple, nourishing, and energizing. Whether you’re heading back to school routines, work demands, or fall fitness goals, these dishes will help you stay fueled and focused.
Harvest Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 2 cups baby arugula or mixed greens
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted pecans
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the red onion and cherry tomatoes to your liking.
- If toasting the pecans, place them on a sheet pan for 10 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, add greens, dried cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled + cubed
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp butter or coconut oil
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Sprinkle of nutmeg
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil sweet potatoes for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain, then add to a mixing bowl with yogurt, butter, spices, and salt.
- Mash or whip with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as desired.
- Top with toasted pecans if you want extra crunch.
🥣 Cranberry Oatmeal Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup almond butter or peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix oats, nut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt until sticky.
- Fold in cranberries (and chocolate chips if using).
- Roll into 1-inch bites.
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to set.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Apple Brown Sugar Fall Shake
Ingredients:
- 1 small apple, cored and chopped (we suggest Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp oats (optional for more thickness + fiber)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Handful of ice (optional, for thickness)
Instructions:
- Add chopped apple, frozen banana, milk, and protein powder to the blender.
- Add brown sugar, oats (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add ice for a thicker shake or more milk for a thinner consistency.
- Pour into a glass and top with a little cinnamon or a tiny pinch of brown sugar.
November is all about community, family, and thankfulness. These recipes are designed to give you quick, wholesome options whether you need weekday meal prep, cozy comfort food, or refreshing fuel. Here’s to a strong and energized fall season!
With love and gratitude,
Jess and the Empower Team!
