Roasted Butternut Squash Winter Salad
Get ready for a medley of flavors and textures in every bite with this Roasted Butternut Squash Winter Salad! Perfect for the cooler months, this salad combines roasted butternut squash, crisp greens, and a delightful mix of toppings that bring out the best of winter produce. Whether you’re looking for a cozy lunch or a festive side dish, this salad has everything you need to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.
The star of this dish? The roasted butternut squash. Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness, creating a soft, caramelized texture that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Toss in some toasty nuts, crumbly cheese, and a tangy dressing, and you’ve got a salad that’s full of vibrant flavors and colors. It’s a delicious way to enjoy all the goodness that winter has to offer!
Why you’ll love this Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
- A Flavor Explosion: The sweet, earthy flavor of roasted butternut squash blends beautifully with the tangy dressing and the crunch of nuts and seeds. Each bite has a mix of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors that you’ll love. It’s comfort food in salad form!
- Packed with Nutrients: This salad is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Butternut squash is loaded with vitamins A and C, while the greens provide a boost of fiber and iron. Plus, the nuts add some healthy fats to keep you feeling satisfied.
- Quick & Easy: With just a little time in the oven for the squash to roast, this salad is super easy to prepare. It’s the perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty lunch, or a light yet satisfying side for your next gathering.
- Customizable: One of my favorite things about this winter salad is how customizable it is! Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Add some cranberries, swap the cheese for goat cheese or feta, or sprinkle in some avocado for extra creaminess. The possibilities are endless!
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The roasted butternut squash serves as the perfect hearty base, ensuring that it’s satisfying even without meat or gluten.
Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash Winter Salad:
- Butternut squash (buy pre cut to save time)
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Mixed greens
- Quinoa (cooked)
- Pomegranate seeds
- Roasted pistachios
- Dijon vinaigrette
- Gruyere or goat cheese (optional topping, non-vegan)
Check out the step-by-step video here:
How to make Roasted Butternut Squash Winter Salad
Looking for more easy winter recipes? Here are a few ideas:
- Easy Tuscan White Bean Soup (Vegan, Gluten Free)
- Polenta Rounds with Spinach and Mushrooms (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Roasted Butternut Squash Winter Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Category: Main dish
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Roasted Butternut Squash Winter Salad is a medley of flavors and textures in every bite. It combines roasted butternut squash, crisp greens, and a delightful mix of toppings that bring out the best of winter produce.
Ingredients
- Butternut squash (I buy pre cut to save time)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Mixed greens
- Quinoa (cooked)
- Pomegranate seeds
- Roasted pistachios
- Dijon vinaigrette
- Gruyere or goat cheese (optional topping, non-vegan)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line baking sheet with nonstick foil.
2. In a large bowl add cut butternut squash. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt & pepper. Mix together until squash is coated.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until squash begins to brown on edges.
4. Meanwhile, in a salad bowl, add mixed greens.
5. Then add in desired amount of quinoa, butternut squash, pistachios, & pomegranate seeds.
6. Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine. Can top salad with optional cheese. Enjoy!
