Roasted Butternut Squash Salad is a delightful autumnal dish that combines the sweetness of roasted squash with the crispness of fresh greens and the richness of nuts and cheese. It’s a beautiful, nutritious, and satisfying salad, perfect for a hearty lunch or as a dinner side.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Optional: pumpkin seeds for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and crumbled cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to make the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the roasted butternut squash to the salad bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine everything.
- Serve the salad immediately, optionally garnished with pumpkin seeds.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 6g
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4-6 people
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad is a colorful and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall. Its combination of sweet squash, tart cranberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese makes for a delightful variety of textures and tastes. This salad is sure to be a hit whether served at a casual lunch or as an elegant side dish at a dinner party.
