Winter is knocking on the door, and while salads might not be the first thing that comes to mind, we've got a recipe that will change your perspective. Say hello to the Warming Winter Butternut Squash Salad—a delightful mix of seasonal flavors and healthy goodness that's perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or even a show-stopping Thanksgiving side dish.
The Star-Studded Cast of Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 6 cups arugula
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
Herbal Cider Vinegar Dijon Dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 shallot, diced
- 5 mL Herbal Cider Vinegar (about 1 teaspoon)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
A Symphony of Flavors: Crafting the Butternut Squash Symphony
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Roast them on a parchment-covered baking sheet for 25–30 minutes, or until they're tender and adorned with a tempting golden brown hue.
Step 2: While the squash is dancing in the oven, let's prepare the star-studded dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, diced shallot, Herbal Cider Vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. This isn't just any dressing—it's a regenerative blend of antioxidant-filled superfood ingredients.
Step 3: Once the butternut squash has cooled, it's time to assemble the ensemble. Combine arugula, half of the roasted squash, walnuts, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and a generous drizzle of the Herbal Cider Vinegar Dijon dressing. Toss lightly, adding the remaining squash for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Step 4: Top your creation with extra walnuts, cranberries, and a final drizzle of the dressing for that finishing touch. Serve immediately, and witness the magic unfold.
Nutritional Encore: A Feast for Your Body
Serving Size: 1 bowl (192g)
- Calories: 395
- Carbs: 22.1 grams
- Fiber: 2.9 grams
- Sugar: 11.7 grams
- Fat: 31.8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7.9 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 22.6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 20 milligrams
- Protein: 8.5 grams
- Sodium: 565 milligrams (38% DV)
Closing Notes
This Winter Butternut Squash Salad is more than a dish; it's a celebration of seasonal bounty and mindful nutrition. Crafted with love, this recipe embodies the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living.
So, as winter's chill sets in, warm up your plate with this delightful butternut squash salad. Whether it's a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser, making it a recipe you'll want to recreate again and again. Embrace the flavors of the season and let this salad be the star of your winter dining experience.
