Autumn Butternut Squash Salad
Butternut squash salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that bursting with autumn flavors. Roasted butternut squash cubes are tossed with a mixture of spinach and endives, then drizzled with a fruity balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Topped with toasted pecans or shaved parmesan cheese, this is a deliciously comforting salad that celebrates the flavors of fall.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 12 oz butternut squash (about 4 cups) cut into bite sized chunks
- 4 handfuls spinach
- 3 endives (about 2 cups), chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans toasted, roughly chopped
- shaved parmesan cheese as needed for garnish
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons agave syrup
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Salad:
- Preheat oven to 400℉. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Place cut butternut squash on bakings sheet. Drizzle about 2 Tbsp of olive oil over squash, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine and coat.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. Midway through baking toss squash to ensure even roasting. Once cooked, let cool slightly as you prepare remaining ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, chopped endives, half of dried cranberries and half of pecans. Add cooked butternut squash. Add about 3 Tbsp of balsamic vinaigrette. Toss to combine. Sample and add more vinaigrette according to taste. Before serving, add remaining cranberries and pecans. Garnish with shaved parmesan cheese and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- Add all the ingredients into a mason jar. Cover with lid and shake until contents are mixed. Do not over mix.
Notes
- Endives are also known as Belgian endives or chicory. They are known for their distinct bitter flavor.
- Optional substitutes in place of endives: radicchio, frisée, and escarole.
Nutrition
Calories: 594kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 35g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 465mg | Potassium: 642mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 11925IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 2mg