This salad made with roasted butternut squash comes together quickly and easily. Even though there are only a few ingredients like roasted butternut squash, romaine lettuce, goat cheese, walnuts, and sprouts, it is flavorful. It makes the ideal salad for autumn.
An Easy Butternut Squash Salad Recipe
I got inspired to make this roasted butternut squash salad after I tried a similar dish at various cafes. It's amazing how such a simple salad can be so delicious! The original version had vegan cheese, but I prefer mine topped with goat cheese. Of course, you can always substitute with a vegan or dairy-free cheese if that's more to your liking.
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Ingredients
Butternut Squash
The salad's taste is mostly contributed by the roasted butternut squash, which gives it an earthy, salty, creamy, and sweet flavor. And even though there aren't many ingredients in this salad, the butternut squash is substantial enough to keep you full. Before roasting, just chop the butternut squash into tiny cubes.
Sprouts
Nonetheless, the sprouts provide a tiny bit of extra flavor to this salad. I love sprouts and microgreens, as you may know if you've been following me for a long. I'm using onion sprouts because of their lovely light green hue and tiny black seeds, but radish sprouts or any other kind of sprout would do.
Goat Cheese
The goat cheese's smoothness complements the butternut squash's creaminess perfectly. And you may include whether much or how little you want (I always opt for more).
Lettuce, Romaine
I chose romaine lettuce instead of my normal baby spinach for the salad greens. It is a delicate, unassuming, and crunchy lettuce that complements the butternut squash wonderfully. Nevertheless, you could also use kale, spinach, or any other type of leafy green.
How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Once the butternut squash is roasted to perfection, creating a satisfying roasted butternut squash salad is a breeze. I prefer to create a slightly layered look with the salad ingredients, as it provides more texture and visual appeal, but if you prefer a more homogenous look, you can always toss everything together in a mixing bowl. Before serving, make sure to add a generous sprinkle of fresh walnuts, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of my homemade champagne vinaigrette for a flavorful finishing touch.
The combination of flavors and textures in this salad is truly amazing, making it a perfect option for a hearty, vibrant, and delicious meal. If you happen to have extra butternut squash on hand, I suggest trying out my Roasted Butternut Squash Soup recipe. With these two dishes in your recipe book, you can create a fantastic butternut squash-themed meal any time of the year.
How to Refrigerate Roasted Butternut Squash Salad:
If you have any leftover roasted butternut squash salad, you can keep it in the fridge for up to two or three days in an airtight container. It is advised to refrigerate the vinaigrette separately and dress the salad only before serving in order to preserve the freshness and crispness of the salad.
How to Freeze Roasted Butternut Squash Salad:
While it's possible to freeze roasted butternut squash salad, it's not recommended as the texture and freshness of the vegetables may be compromised. However, if you must, it's best to store the salad without the vinaigrette in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Roasted Butternut Squash Salad (If Required):
You may reheat your roasted butternut squash salad in the oven or microwave if you like it warm. Transfer the salad to a microwave-safe dish and reheat in the microwave on high for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. Place the salad in an oven-safe dish, cook in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring periodically, until heated through. Drizzle the vinaigrette when it has warmed up, then add the toppings right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this salad?
Absolutely! You can swap out the goat cheese for feta, blue cheese, or even a vegan cheese alternative.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the butternut squash ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the salad. Just be sure to add the walnuts and vinaigrette right before serving.
Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?
While butternut squash works best for this recipe, you could also use acorn squash or kabocha squash as a substitute.
How long will this salad keep in the fridge?
This salad will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge, but the texture may change slightly over time.
Can I freeze this salad?
Unfortunately, this salad is not ideal for freezing as the texture of the ingredients will change significantly once thawed.
Conclusion
This roasted butternut squash salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it's a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences.
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