A hearty and flavorful fall salad featuring roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and a sweet maple Dijon dressing. Perfect for meal prepping or as a holiday side dish.
Author:purejoyalex
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:45 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Salad
Method:Roasting
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups mixed greens
1 crisp apple, thinly sliced
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a baking sheet, toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Roast the squash for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized. Let cool slightly.
While the squash is roasting, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apple, toasted pecans, and roasted butternut squash.
Add the goat cheese, if using.
Drizzle the salad with the maple Dijon vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately or store components separately for meal prepping.
Notes
For meal prepping, store the roasted squash, dressing, and salad components in separate airtight containers. Assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.
You can substitute walnuts for pecans or use a different type of hard cheese like feta or blue cheese instead of goat cheese.
Add cooked chicken or quinoa for a more substantial meal.