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Cozy Autumn Harvest Salad with Roasted Squash

cozy autumn harvest salad with roasted squash - featured image

A comforting fall salad featuring caramelized roasted butternut squash, peppery arugula, toasted walnuts, and tangy goat cheese, all brought together with a warm maple-sage vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for squash)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Fresh sage leaves
  • 4 cups arugula
  • 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and sage leaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread in a single layer.
  3. Roast squash for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and edges are browned.
  4. While squash roasts, toast walnuts in a small skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and salt. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, toss arugula, sliced red onion, and dried cranberries with half the vinaigrette.
  7. Add warm roasted squash and crumbled goat cheese to the greens. Drizzle with remaining dressing and toss gently.
  8. Top with toasted walnuts and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure squash is spread in a single layer to prevent steaming. Toast walnuts for better flavor. Serve immediately while squash is warm. Can be made vegan by omitting goat cheese. Red onion can be soaked in cold water to reduce harshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall salad, roasted squash, butternut squash recipe, autumn harvest salad, maple sage vinaigrette, healthy fall dinner, vegetarian salad