Butternut Squash Feta Salad

$- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes - 4 cups mixed greens (a blend of arugula and baby spinach is great) - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (use a tangy, good quality feta) - 1/4 cup dried cranberries (choose sweetened or unsweetened as you like) - 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (toasting is optional but adds flavor) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (aged is best for more flavor) - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (this adds a nice touch of sweetness) This mix of fresh and tasty ingredients makes the salad bright and fun. The butternut squash brings warmth, while the feta adds creaminess. The cranberries give a hint of sweet, and walnuts provide crunch. Topping it all off with a simple dressing enhances every bite. When you gather these ingredients, think about how they complement each other. The squash and greens create a solid base, while cranberries and nuts add texture and flavor. The dressing ties everything together. Enjoy the process of making this vibrant salad! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for roasting the squash well. 2. In a bowl, mix the diced butternut squash with extra virgin olive oil. 3. Season the squash with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss it well until coated. 1. Spread the seasoned squash evenly on a baking sheet. Make sure they lay flat for even cooking. 2. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through for even browning. The squash should be golden and fork-tender when done. 1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and the roasted squash. 2. Add crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and roughly chopped walnuts. 3. Drizzle the dressing made from balsamic vinegar and maple syrup over the salad. 4. Gently toss everything together. Be careful not to break the feta too much. 5. Finish with fresh thyme leaves for a lovely touch. This salad is colorful and packed with flavor. Enjoy each bite! - Oven temperature tips: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) for roasting butternut squash. This temperature helps the squash cook evenly. - Achieving caramelization: Spread squash in a single layer on the baking sheet. Stir halfway through roasting. This gives you that nice golden-brown color and sweet flavor. - Alternative sweeteners: If you want a different taste, try honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup. Both add sweetness and depth. - Adding herbs or spices: Fresh herbs, like basil or oregano, can add a burst of flavor. You can also sprinkle in some chili flakes for a little heat. - Layering options: For a stunning look, layer the ingredients in a glass bowl. This showcases the colors of the salad. - Garnish ideas: Use fresh thyme leaves as a lovely garnish. It adds a touch of green and enhances the aroma of the dish. Consider adding pomegranate seeds for extra color and crunch. Pro Tips Roasting Technique: For the best flavor, ensure that the butternut squash cubes are cut uniformly. This helps them cook evenly and caramelize beautifully. Feta Selection: Opt for a block of feta instead of pre-crumbled. Crumbling it yourself ensures fresher taste and better texture in your salad. Walnut Toasting: If you choose to toast the walnuts, do so in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This enhances their flavor significantly. Serving Suggestion: Serve the salad immediately after tossing to maintain the crispness of the greens and the integrity of the feta. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in this salad. Try goat cheese for a tangy twist. Creamy ricotta also works well if you want something softer. For nuts, walnuts add a nice crunch, but pecans are great too. You can use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. They add a similar texture and taste. You can add seasonal vegetables to keep it fresh. In summer, use cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for a cool bite. In winter, add roasted Brussels sprouts or beets for warmth. If you have dietary restrictions, swap the feta for a dairy-free cheese. Use a vinaigrette that is gluten-free if needed. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad. To elevate the flavor, add fruits like apples or pears. They bring sweetness and a crisp texture. Citrus like orange or lemon juice brightens the dish too. You can also introduce proteins to make it heartier. Grilled chicken adds a savory element. Chickpeas make a great plant-based option, adding protein and fiber. To store your butternut squash feta salad, keep it in the fridge. Place the salad in an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh for about 3 days. Avoid adding the dressing until you're ready to eat. This keeps the greens crisp and tasty. If you have leftover roasted squash, store it separately. This will help retain its texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the roasted butternut squash. Put it in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. However, freezing the salad as a whole is not recommended. The greens and feta will not hold up well. When reheating the squash, use the oven or a skillet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the squash on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. This keeps the flavor and texture intact. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the squash mushy. If you need to reheat the whole salad, do so quickly and serve right away. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare the butternut squash and dressing in advance. Store the squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens. When ready to serve, combine everything in a bowl. This keeps the flavors fresh and the salad crisp. To make the salad vegan, swap the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese. You can use crumbled tofu or a nut-based cheese. For the dressing, replace the maple syrup with agave nectar if preferred. This way, you still get a tasty salad without animal products. This salad pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it alongside grilled chicken or a hearty soup. It also complements a simple quinoa dish or roasted vegetables. For a light meal, enjoy it with crusty bread. The flavors blend nicely, making for a satisfying dining experience. This blog covered a delicious butternut squash salad, from its tasty ingredients to easy steps. You learned how to roast squash perfectly and mix fresh greens. We explored fun tips, like dressing swaps and beautiful presentation ideas. You can also adjust this salad for different diets and seasons. With these details, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy creating this healthy salad that your family will love!$

Butternut Squash Feta Salad

A vibrant salad featuring roasted butternut squash, mixed greens, feta cheese, and a tangy balsamic dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups mixed greens (blend of arugula and baby spinach)
1 2 feta cheese, crumbled
1 4 dried cranberries
1 4 walnuts, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
a few sprigs Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced butternut squash with the olive oil. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Toss until the squash is well-coated.
Spread the seasoned butternut squash evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the squash for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
While the squash is roasting, prepare the dressing by whisking together the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in a small bowl.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and roughly chopped walnuts.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss the entire mixture.
Finish by garnishing your salad with fresh thyme leaves.

Notes

For an attractive serving, consider layering the ingredients in a glass bowl and finishing with the thyme garnish on top.

Keyword butternut squash, feta, healthy, salad