Looking for a vibrant and flavorful salad that’s perfect for autumn and beyond? This Butternut Squash Feta Salad combines the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted butternut squash with the creamy tang of feta cheese, all atop a bed of fresh greens. It’s a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will quickly become a favorite. Use it as a main course, side dish, or even a festive addition to your holiday table.
What is Butternut Squash Feta Salad?
Butternut Squash Feta Salad is a celebration of seasonal flavors. It’s a simple yet elegant salad featuring roasted butternut squash, which provides a natural sweetness and creamy texture. This sweetness is beautifully contrasted by the salty and tangy feta cheese, offering a delightful balance with every bite.
To add freshness and a bit of crunch, a base of mixed greens and toasted nuts is included, often dressed with a light vinaigrette to tie all the flavors together. This salad is perfect as a light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or a vegetarian main course. It’s an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. With its ease of preparation and delicious taste, Butternut Squash Feta Salad is sure to impress. Ready to try this delicious combination of sweet and savory? Give this recipe a try today!
Key Ingredients for Butternut Squash Feta Salad:
- Butternut Squash (1 medium, peeled, seeded, and cubed): Provides the sweet, nutty base of the salad.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For roasting the squash and making the vinaigrette.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the squash’s natural flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice.
- Mixed Greens (5 ounces): Forms the base of the salad, providing freshness.
- Feta Cheese (4 ounces, crumbled): Adds a creamy, salty tang.
- Toasted Pecans or Walnuts (1/4 cup, chopped): Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- Dried Cranberries (1/4 cup): Adds a chewy sweetness.
For the Vinaigrette:
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): The base of the vinaigrette.
- Balsamic Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Emulsifies the vinaigrette and adds a subtle spice.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (1 teaspoon): Balances the acidity and adds sweetness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice.
How to Make Butternut Squash Feta Salad:
This Butternut Squash Feta Salad is incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor! The roasting process brings out the sweetness of the squash, which pairs perfectly with the salty feta and the fresh greens. It takes about 45 minutes of preparation and cook time, perfect for a quick lunch or satisfying dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into approximately 1-inch pieces.
- Roast the Squash: In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Make the Vinaigrette: While the squash is roasting, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside.
- Toast the Nuts (Optional): If using nuts that aren’t already toasted, spread the chopped pecans or walnuts on a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted butternut squash (let it cool slightly), crumbled feta cheese, toasted pecans or walnuts, and dried cranberries.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, using as much or as little as you like. Gently toss to combine.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Feta Salad:
This Butternut Squash Feta Salad stands out due to its perfect flavor combination. The sweet, caramelized butternut squash beautifully complements the savory, salty feta. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Making it at home saves you money compared to ordering at a restaurant, plus you get to control exactly what goes into it! Finally, the addition of toasted nuts and dried cranberries not only adds a delightful texture but also a burst of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
You can compare this to a classic spinach salad, but the roasted squash adds a heartier, more autumnal touch, perfect for cooler months. Eager to try a salad that is both delicious and visually appealing? Make this Butternut Squash Feta Salad today and impress your family and friends!
What to Serve Butternut Squash Feta Salad With:
This vibrant salad pairs well with a variety of options to create a complete meal:
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: Add some protein by serving it alongside grilled chicken breasts or a pan-seared salmon fillet.
- Quinoa or Farro: For a heartier vegetarian meal, serve the salad over a bed of cooked quinoa or farro.
- Roasted Chicken with Herbs: A warm roasted chicken with herbs perfectly complements the salad’s flavors.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious vinaigrette.
- Soup: Pair it with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup for a cozy and complementary lunch or dinner.
Top Tips for Perfecting Butternut Squash Feta Salad:
- Evenly Cubed Squash: Ensure the butternut squash is cut into consistently sized cubes so that it cooks evenly. Make a test cube. If it is bigger than an inch adjust your cuts accordingly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When roasting the squash, make sure the pieces are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Toast the Nuts: Toasting the pecans or walnuts adds a deeper, more intense flavor. Be careful not to burn them.
- Use High-Quality Feta: Opt for a good quality feta cheese crumbled instead of the pre-crumbled kind. It has a much better flavor and texture.
- Make the Vinaigrette Fresh: Whisk the vinaigrette just before serving to ensure the flavors are vibrant. If you store it in the fridge, it may separate, though is still safe to consume. Just be sure to mix again.
- Adjust Sweetness: If the butternut squash is not as sweet as you’d like, add a bit more honey or maple syrup to the vinaigrette.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar work as substitutions. You can also substitute goat cheese for feta cheese, or use different nuts like pepitas or almonds.
Health Benefits of Butternut Squash Feta Salad:
Butternut squash is packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium. These nutrients support immune function, eye health, and blood pressure regulation. The mixed greens provide additional vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting overall health.
Olive oil, used in both roasting and the vinaigrette, is a healthy fat that supports heart health. Feta cheese provides calcium and protein in moderation. Nuts give you even further nutrients. This salad is a nutritious and delicious way to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats into your diet.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
- Reheating: The butternut squash can be reheated in the microwave or oven. Place the desired portion in microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or spread it on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. However, reheating the greens is not recommended as they will wilt.
- Freezing: While you can technically freeze the roasted butternut squash, freezing the assembled salad with greens is not recommended as the greens will become very soggy upon thawing. For long-term storage, it’s best to freeze the squash separately after it has cooled. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts:
This Butternut Squash Feta Salad is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet roasted squash, creamy feta, and fresh greens makes it a crowd-pleaser, plus, it shows off the best of autumn flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a festive vegetarian main course, this salad is sure to impress.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Butternut Squash Feta Salad FAQs:
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can roast the butternut squash, toast the nuts, and make the vinaigrette ahead of time. Store them separately until ready to assemble the salad.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Goat cheese, Gorgonzola, or even a sharp cheddar cheese would be great substitutes for feta.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Of course! Roasted Brussels sprouts, shaved fennel, or thinly sliced red onion would make great additions.
Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes, substitute the feta cheese with a vegan feta alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Q: Can I use a different type of squash?
A: Yes! Acorn squash or kabocha squash would also work nicely in this recipe.