Winter Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Pomegranate, Apple, and Feta Recipe
A vibrant and hearty winter salad featuring roasted butternut squash, crisp apple, tangy feta, sweet pomegranate arils, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a flavorful honey-balsamic dressing. Perfect for a refreshing yet satisfying seasonal dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4-5 ounces spring mix or mixed greens
- ⅓ cup candied pecans (or toasted pecans)
- ½ large chopped apple (honey crisp recommended)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Pinch of pepper
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
- ½ Tablespoon honey or maple syrup (plus more to taste)
- 1 clove fresh garlic (minced or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Roast Squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Toss the peeled and cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and a pinch of pepper until evenly coated. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes or until tender and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make Dressing: In a glass bowl or jar, whisk together ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar, ½ tablespoon honey or maple syrup, minced garlic (or garlic powder), ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper until well combined. Alternatively, place all dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake vigorously to combine.
- Combine Salad: In a large salad bowl, add the spring mix or mixed greens. Top with the cooled roasted butternut squash, chopped apple chunks, candied or toasted pecans, pomegranate arils, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. For a more elegant presentation, plate individual servings and drizzle dressing on each serving before serving. Enjoy your fresh winter salad!
Notes
- Roasting time may vary depending on oven and squash size; test tenderness with a fork.
- Candied pecans can be substituted with toasted pecans for less sweetness.
- Adjust honey or maple syrup in the dressing to your preferred sweetness level.
- Use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor or garlic powder for convenience.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be prepared ahead; keep dressing separate until serving.
