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Fall Harvest Salad

Fall Harvest Salad
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Enjoy a cozy Fall Harvest Salad packed with fresh autumn vegetables, warm spices, and a tangy spiced dressing. This vibrant, nourishing salad combines mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and creamy feta cheese to deliver the perfect balance of textures and fall flavors in every bite. Simple to prepare and versatile, it’s ideal as a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or paired with your favorite proteins for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups mixed greens (kale, spinach, and arugula blend)
  • 2 cups roasted butternut squash cubes
  • 1 medium crisp apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady recommended)
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (pinch)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash, then toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized at the edges.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until fully combined. The warm spices in the dressing will enhance the tangy sweetness and complement the roasted vegetables.
  3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Add the warm roasted butternut squash on top and drizzle the spiced dressing evenly over all the ingredients.
  4. Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad to ensure each bite is coated with the flavorful dressing and all ingredients are well mixed. Serve immediately to enjoy the pleasing contrast between the warm squash and the cool greens.

Notes

  • Toast your nuts to intensify their flavor and add extra crunch.
  • Choose fresh, crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for the best texture and flavor.
  • Start with a small amount of dressing and add more gradually to prevent soggy greens.
  • Roast squash and prepare the dressing a day ahead to save time during final assembly.
  • Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg cautiously; a little goes a long way.

Nutrition

Keywords: Fall Harvest Salad, autumn salad, roasted butternut squash salad, seasonal vegetables salad, warm spiced dressing, gluten free salad

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/fall-harvest-salad/