Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Name: Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: ½ cup Uncooked Quinoa; 10 cups Chopped Kale; 2 cups Cubed Butternut Squash; 2 Apples (chopped into bite-sized cubes); 1 Can Chickpeas (drained and rinsed); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; ½ teaspoon Nutmeg; 1.5 tablespoons Maple Syrup; ½ teaspoon Salt; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; ¾ cup Cashews; ¼ cup Olive Oil; 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard; ½ Shallot; ¼ teaspoon Salt; ¾ cup water; 1 tbsp Pumpkin Seeds (optional)

Get ready to fall in love with my Roasted Butternut Squash Salad. This isn’t your average salad – it’s packed with roasted chickpeas, crisp apple pieces, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. It’s a burst of flavors and textures in every bite! Perfect for a healthy lunch or a vibrant side dish. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked. Let’s dive in and make this deliciousness together!

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Salad

Warm and Cozy: The sweet roasted butternut squash and chickpeas, seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, create a warm and comforting flavor.
Nutrient-Packed: With kale, quinoa, and apples, this roasted butternut squash salad recipe is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, perfect for a healthy meal.
Sweet and Savory: The combination of maple syrup and spices adds a delightful sweetness, balanced by the savory elements of the salad.

Ingredients For Butternut Squash Salad

Salad Ingredients:

Uncooked Quinoa: A nutrient-dense grain that adds a fluffy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, providing a healthy source of protein and fiber.
Chopped Kale: A hearty, leafy green that offers a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and a robust texture, packed with vitamins and minerals.
Cubed Butternut Squash: Adds a sweet, nutty flavor and a tender texture when roasted, contributing both flavor and a vibrant orange color to the roasted butternut squash salad.
Chopped Apples: Provides a crisp, juicy sweetness that balances the savory and earthy flavors of the other ingredients.
Chickpeas: Adds a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, enhancing the protein content and making the roasted butternut squash salad more filling.
Cinnamon: Infuses the salad with a warm, sweet-spicy aroma and flavor, complementing the butternut squash and apples.
Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warm spice that enhances the sweetness of the squash and apples, adding depth to the salad’s flavor profile.
Maple Syrup: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the spices and adds a touch of richness to the roasted butternut squash salad.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the salad is well-seasoned and balanced.
Olive Oil: Used to roast the butternut squash and to dress the salad, adding a rich, fruity flavor and a smooth texture.
Pumpkin Seeds (Optional): Adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, providing an extra layer of flavor and a bit of visual appeal when used as a garnish.

Dressing Ingredients:

Cashews: These provide a creamy base when blended, adding a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth texture to the dressing.
Olive Oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps emulsify the dressing, ensuring a silky and cohesive texture.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a tangy, slightly sweet acidity that balances the richness of the cashews and olive oil, adding brightness to the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and helps to emulsify the dressing, giving it a smooth and creamy consistency.
Shallot: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor that enhances the overall depth of the dressing without overpowering it.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the dressing is well-seasoned and balanced.
Water: Thins the dressing to the desired consistency, making it easier to blend and ensuring it coats the salad ingredients evenly.

How To Make Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Step One: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add cashews to a small bowl and cover with hot water. Set aside to soften. Cook quinoa according to package directions and set aside.

Step Two: Drain and rinse chickpeas. Chop apples into bite-sized cubes. Add chickpeas, apples, and butternut squash cubes to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and salt to the mixture on the baking sheet and combine well. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step Three: Dice the shallot and drain the cashews. Add all dressing ingredients (cashews, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, shallot, salt, and water) to a blender.

Step Four: Blend on high for approximately 2 minutes or until a smooth liquid consistency is achieved. If necessary, add additional water to reach desired consistency.

Step Five: Place chopped kale on a second parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and combine. Add the kale to the oven for the last 8 minutes of baking time.

Step Six: Once everything is removed from the oven, combine all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl. Drizzle with the cashew dressing and toss to combine. Garnish with pumpkin seeds for an added crunch. Serve and enjoy your delicious Roasted Butternut Squash Salad!

Expert Tips For The Perfect Squash Salad

Even Cubes for Even Roasting: Ensure uniformity in cutting the butternut squash into even cubes to promote consistent roasting.
Don’t Overdress: Be mindful not to overdress your salad. This ensures that the flavors of the ingredients shine through without being overshadowed by excess dressing.

Salad Variations

Goat Cheese Medley with Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Enjoy the harmonious combination of crumbled goat cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, and crunchy candied pecans, all drizzled with a creamy goat cheese dressing for a rich and delicious salad.
Mediterranean-Inspired Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: Infused with Mediterranean flair, this salad pairs roasted butternut squash with tangy feta cheese, briny olives, and a refreshing herb dressing, creating a vibrant and wholesome meal option.
Citrus-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: Brighten up your plate with this citrus-infused salad featuring roasted butternut squash, zesty citrus segments, crunchy walnuts, and a citrusy vinaigrette, offering a refreshing and invigorating taste sensation.

How To Store Butternut Squash Salad

Refrigerate: Keep any leftover Roasted Butternut Squash Salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Container: Store the salad in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the refrigerator.

What To Serve With Roasted Butternut Squash Salad?

Quinoa Pilaf: Cook quinoa in vegetable broth and toss with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. The nutty flavor and fluffy texture of quinoa complement the sweetness of the roasted butternut squash salad.
Sautéed Kale: Quickly sauté kale in olive oil with garlic until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a vibrant and nutritious side dish that pairs well with the roasted butternut squash salad.
Wild Rice Salad: Mix cooked wild rice with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and a citrusy vinaigrette dressing. The chewy texture and earthy flavor of wild rice provide a hearty base for the sweet and savory roasted squash.
Asparagus: Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender and slightly charred. The smoky flavor of the grilled asparagus complements the caramelized sweetness of the roasted butternut squash salad.
Creamy Parmesan Polenta: Whip up a creamy batch of Parmesan polenta to serve as a warm and comforting side dish alongside the roasted butternut squash salad, adding a rich and savory component to the overall dining experience.

FAQ’S

Can I use pre-cooked or frozen butternut squash for the Roasted Butternut Squash Salad?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked or frozen butternut squash for this salad. If using frozen, ensure it is fully thawed and drained before adding to the salad. However, roasting fresh butternut squash brings out a richer, caramelized flavor and a slightly crisp texture that enhances the overall taste of the salad. If using pre-cooked squash, consider lightly reheating it in the oven to mimic the roasted flavor and texture.

Can I add other ingredients to the Roasted Butternut Squash Salad to enhance its flavor?

Absolutely! This salad is versatile and can be customized to your taste. Some great additions include roasted chickpeas for crunch, crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness, and toasted nuts like pecans or pumpkin seeds for added texture. You can also experiment with different greens like arugula or kale instead of spinach to create a unique flavor profile.