Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
This Roasted Butternut Squash Salad is the perfect blend of roasted squash, crisp greens, and a tangy homemade dressing. It makes a stunning side dish or main course salad.
Servings: 6
Calories: 464kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds butternut squash , peeled and chopped into 3/4-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3-4 heaping cups fresh kale , chops and ribs removed
- 3-4 heaping cups fresh spinach leaves , chopped
- 6 slices bacon , cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or craisins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans , chopped (*see note below)
- 1/4 red onion , thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Balsamic vinaigrette:
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons sugar or honey
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Make vinaigrette by whisking all ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to use.3/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard, 2 Tablespoons sugar or honey, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roast Squash: Spread butternut squash pieces into a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat and then roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing once during cooking, until squash is tender. Allow to cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, 1 Tablespoon olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Assemble Salad: Top with remaining salad ingredients. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently.3-4 heaping cups fresh kale, 6 slices bacon, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 red onion, 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 3-4 heaping cups fresh spinach leaves
Video
Notes
Variations:
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- Vary the greens: I love serving it over kale, a spring mix, or spinach. You could use a combination of any of those, or any other lettuce you love.
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- Add some grains: you can make this more of a "bowl" meal by adding quinoa or brown rice!
- Protein: Top with grilled chicken, to make it a hearty meal.
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- Choose your favorite dressing: the balsamic vinaigrette is fantastic but feel free to choose your favorite including ranch or thousand island.
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- Candied pecans: If you really want to take this salad to the next level, add candied pecans! You won't regret it!
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- Vary the cheese: Feel free to add your favorite crumbly cheese including feta, gorgonzola, or goat cheese!
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- Make it vegan: omit the cheese and bacon!
Nutrition
Calories: 464kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 26g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 485mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 12206IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 1mg
Recipe Link
Recipe Video
