Name: Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups butternut squash, cubed; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 4 cups mixed greens; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or pecans; 1/4 cup feta or goat cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp maple syrup; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you are on the lookout for a cozy, nutritious, and utterly satisfying dish, this Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with fresh mixed greens, crunchy nuts, tangy dried cranberries, and the creamy tang of feta or goat cheese, it is both a celebration of fall’s best flavors and a powerhouse of nutrients. This salad is simple to make yet feels special enough to serve for a casual weeknight meal or impress guests at your next gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a neat arrangement of fresh ingredients on a white marbled surface. There are a whole butternut squash on the top right and a small round radicchio below it with a red apple at the bottom right. On the left side, there is a fresh head of green romaine lettuce. Several small white bowls hold different ingredients: golden olive oil at the top left, crumbly white cheese next to it, dried cranberries beside the cheese, and a bowl of pecans below the cranberries. There is a small white bowl with smooth mustard in the center and a dark balsamic vinegar in a white bowl to the right. Two small wooden bowls at the bottom hold salt and black pepper. The colors range from pale orange, deep red and green to golden brown, cream, and black. The composition is clean, simple, and bright with a soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here plays a vital role in bringing this recipe to life — from the earthy sweetness of butternut squash to the bright zing of apple cider vinegar in the dressing. These simple and essential components come together to create a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this salad so delightful.

2 cups butternut squash, cubed: The star ingredient that provides sweetness and a tender roasted texture.
1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps the squash roast perfectly with a caramelized edge.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the savory and sweet flavors in the squash.
1/2 tsp pepper: Gives a gentle kick without overpowering the salad.
4 cups mixed greens: Offers freshness and a crisp bite to contrast with the roasted squash.
1/4 cup dried cranberries: For a pop of tart sweetness that balances the salad’s savory elements.
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or pecans: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
1/4 cup feta or goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, it enriches the salad’s overall profile.
2 tbsp olive oil (for dressing): Forms the base of a light, flavorful dressing.
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Brings acidity to brighten the salad.
1 tsp maple syrup: A touch of sweetness to round out the dressing beautifully.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that balance all the flavors.

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Recipe

Step 1: Roasting the Butternut Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges caramelize and the cubes become tender. Roasting transforms the squash into a sweet and melt-in-your-mouth delight that forms the heart of this salad.

Step 2: Assembling the Salad Base

While the squash is roasting, prepare your salad foundation by arranging the mixed greens in a large bowl or on a serving plate. The greens add fresh, crisp texture that balances the warm, soft squash beautifully in every bite.

Step 3: Adding the Flavorful Mix-Ins

Once the squash is out of the oven and slightly cooled, scatter it atop the greens along with dried cranberries and your choice of pumpkin seeds or pecans. These ingredients bring exciting texture contrasts and bursts of flavor.

Step 4: Crumbling Cheese Over the Salad

Top the salad with crumbled feta or goat cheese. Its creamy tang enhances the earthiness of the squash and adds a luscious element that makes this salad feel indulgent and satisfying.

Step 5: Making and Drizzling the Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. Drizzle this light vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, allowing it to bring all the flavors to life without overwhelming the fresh ingredients.

How to Serve Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has several layers: the bottom layer is dark green leafy spinach, followed by diced bright orange pumpkin pieces scattered on top. Mixed among the pumpkin chunks are small brown lentils providing texture. To the left in the image, there is a glass bowl containing shiny red cherries, and above the salad bowl are two clear glasses, one filled with a pale yellow drink and the other partially visible with a dark liquid. A spoon with a green handle rests inside the salad bowl, and a white cloth tile lies nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the salad’s aroma and add a bright green color that makes the dish pop. For an added festive crunch, toss on toasted pumpkin seeds right before serving for that freshly roasted nuttiness.

Side Dishes

This Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Recipe shines beautifully alongside a warm grain dish like quinoa or wild rice, especially if you want to turn it into a more filling meal. It’s equally at home with comforting soups or roasted chicken for a balanced, wholesome dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad in individual mason jars for portable lunches or layered neatly on a large platter for an impressive buffet centerpiece. The vibrant orange squash against the greens and bright cranberries creates a visually stunning dish that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the greens crisp. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

While roasting the butternut squash ahead and freezing it is possible, it’s best not to freeze the assembled salad as the greens and dressing won’t hold up well after thawing. Freeze the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient future use.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the roasted squash alone in the oven or microwave, then toss it with fresh greens and dressing at serving time. This helps keep the salad’s perfect balance between warm and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of squash in this salad?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes or delicata squash make excellent substitutes if you want to switch things up. Just adjust roasting times as needed to ensure they become tender and caramelized.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese or swapping it for a plant-based alternative. The nuts and roasted squash keep it rich and flavorful.

Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?

Yes! Adding cooked quinoa, grilled chicken, or chickpeas can boost the protein content and make the salad more filling and satisfying.

What type of dressing works best?

The apple cider vinaigrette used here is perfect for balancing sweet and savory notes. However, a balsamic vinaigrette or lemon tahini dressing would also complement this dish beautifully.

How long does the roasted butternut squash last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, roasted butternut squash can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels both nourishing and festive all at once. The combination of roasted sweetness, fresh greens, crunchy nuts, and zesty dressing never fails to lift spirits and satisfy hunger. It’s cozy, colorful, and packed with wholesome goodness — a perfect way to celebrate seasonal flavors and brighten your table.