Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad
Elevate your salad game with this Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad — a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Sweet, caramelized butternut squash pairs beautifully with earthy baby spinach, crunchy toasted pecans, tart dried cranberries, and creamy feta cheese, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. A simple homemade balsamic dressing, infused with honey and Dijon mustard, ties it all together with a tangy-sweet finish. Easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, this colorful salad is an ideal side or light main for cozy fall dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a fresh, seasonal recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 medium (about 2 pounds) butternut squash
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 cup pecans
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries
- 0.5 cup (crumbled) feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Peel and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces. Discard seeds.
In a large bowl, toss the squash cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
Spread the squash evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
While the squash is roasting, heat a small pan over medium heat and toast the pecans for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to make the dressing.
In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, roasted butternut squash, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Serve immediately as a main dish or side and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1666 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 96.0 g | 123% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.8 g | 99% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 3538 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 190.0 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 43.7 g | 156% | |
| Total Sugars | 89.4 g | ||
| Protein | 28.1 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 979 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 14.2 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 2979 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
