![To make the Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Salad, you need these items: - 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup - Salt and pepper to taste - 5 cups mixed leafy greens (like spinach, arugula, and kale) - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Using fresh ingredients makes your salad taste great. Fresh butternut squash has better flavor and texture. Mixed greens should be crisp and vibrant. Fresh herbs can add a bright touch. When you use fresh items, your dish shines. People notice the difference in taste and look. You can swap out some items if needed. If you can't find butternut squash, try sweet potatoes. Instead of feta, use goat cheese for a tangy twist. You can also use sunflower seeds instead of walnuts. If you want a sweeter taste, add pomegranate seeds. These changes keep the salad fun and interesting. Enjoy exploring new flavors with your Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Salad! For the complete recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To make this Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Salad, you will need to prepare your ingredients first. Start by peeling, seeding, and cubing the butternut squash. This step is key for even roasting. Gather your leafy greens, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and walnuts. These ingredients add great flavor and texture. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix the cubed squash with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat every piece. This adds a sweet and savory taste. Spread the squash out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the pieces are in a single layer. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway. You want them tender and caramelized. Let the squash cool slightly after roasting. While the squash roasts, prepare your dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This mix gives your salad a nice tang. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking. This helps the dressing emulsify and blend well. Now you have a tasty dressing to tie everything together. This method leads to a delightful dish. For the full experience, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy every bite of your creation! When picking butternut squash, look for ones that feel heavy for their size. The skin should be smooth and tan. Avoid squash with soft spots or blemishes. A good squash should have a firm texture. If it feels too soft, it may be overripe. To get that sweet, caramelized flavor, roast your squash at 400°F. Cut it into even cubes to ensure all pieces cook at the same time. Toss the squash with olive oil and maple syrup to enhance its natural sweetness. Spread it in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps it roast instead of steam. Flip the pieces halfway through cooking for even browning. Feel free to play with the dressing! If you like tanginess, add more apple cider vinegar. For a creamier texture, whisk in a touch of yogurt. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Experimenting with your dressing can make your salad unique every time. Just remember to taste as you go. This will help you find the perfect balance. For the full recipe, you can refer to it in the recipe section. {{image_2}} You can change this salad with the seasons. In fall, try adding roasted apples for a sweet crunch. In winter, swap in roasted Brussels sprouts for a hearty touch. Spring brings fresh peas, which add a bright color and flavor. In summer, you can use ripe tomatoes for a juicy twist. Each season offers new tastes to explore! Want to make this salad more filling? You can add protein easily. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or black beans. These options boost the nutrition and keep you full longer. Tofu is also a good choice for a vegetarian twist. Mix and match until you find your favorite! This salad shines as a main dish or a side. Serve it warm or cold based on your mood. If you have guests, serve it in a large bowl for sharing. For a fancy touch, plate individual servings with a drizzle of extra maple syrup. You can also pair it with bread or a hearty soup for a full meal. Explore the flavors and enjoy your creation! To keep your Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Salad fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, keep the dressing separate. This helps prevent the greens from wilting too soon. You can enjoy the roasted butternut squash warm or cold. If you prefer warmth, reheat the squash in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. You can also use the microwave for about one minute. Just remember to add the greens and feta after reheating. For meal prep, you can roast the butternut squash in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also wash and chop your greens ahead of time. Keep the dressing in a separate container. This way, your salad stays fresh and tasty for your busy week ahead. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe link. Yes, you can use other squash types. Acorn squash or pumpkin are great choices. They bring different flavors and textures. You can roast these squashes just like butternut squash. Each type adds a unique taste to your salad. Feel free to experiment with what you find at the market. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. This salad is gluten-free. All the ingredients are safe for those who cannot eat gluten. The butternut squash, greens, and dressing contain no gluten. This makes the salad a good option for everyone. Always check labels on any packaged ingredients to be sure. Enjoy this dish without worry! The salad lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you add the dressing, it may get soggy over time. I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This way, your salad stays crisp and tasty! In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for a delicious salad, focusing on fresh options and alternatives. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and roasting butternut squash, plus how to make a tasty dressing. We also discussed tips for choosing the best squash and ways to customize your dressing. Finally, I covered storage tips for leftovers and answered common questions. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. You can make this salad your own with easy swaps and ideas. Enjoy your cooking journey!](https://greenmealmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/5f2797dd-8f9f-4029-b7e9-22ccecaf3aad-250x250.webp)
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Experience the deliciousness of a Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Salad that’s perfect for any season! This vibrant dish combines tender butternut squash, mixed greens, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta for a tasty and nutritious meal. Drizzled with a tangy dressing and dotted with dried cranberries, it’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!