Description
A vibrant and nutritious Fall Harvest Salad featuring roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, toasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and creamy feta, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a cozy autumn meal filled with seasonal flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale)
- 1 medium butternut squash (approximately 2 cups cubed)
- 1 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apple (sliced)
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds (toasted)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the butternut squash.
- Prepare Squash: Peel and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a lined baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
- Roast Squash: Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they are tender and golden brown, developing a sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Wash Greens: Thoroughly wash and dry the mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale) to ensure freshness and remove any grit.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled roasted butternut squash, mixed greens, sliced apple, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything nicely without bruising the delicate greens.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately either plated individually or family-style from the bowl for a fresh, autumn-inspired meal.
Notes
- To toast pumpkin seeds, spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or omit for a vegan option.
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture contrast.
- For added protein, consider topping the salad with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Store leftover salad components separately to keep greens from wilting.
