Roasted Veggies

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Name: Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed; 4 cups (100g) mixed greens, such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce; 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil; 2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard; 1/2 cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced

By Willa Northcote · June 19, 2026 · Roasted Veggies

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made a roasted butternut squash salad. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was looking for a dish that would warm my heart and belly. The combination of tender, caramelized squash, crunchy mixed greens, and a tangy dressing was love at first bite.

As a home cook, I've always been drawn to recipes that showcase the beauty of seasonal ingredients. And what's more seasonal than butternut squash in the fall? This salad is a celebration of the harvest season, with its vibrant colors and comforting flavors.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a topping for a hearty bowl. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make. Just roast the squash, mix it with some greens and a tangy dressing, and you're done.

In this recipe, I'll take you through the steps to make a delicious roasted butternut squash salad. From selecting the right squash to dressing the salad, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your salad turns out perfect every time.

So, let's get started and make a salad that will become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is perfect for the fall and winter seasons, when butternut squash is at its peak flavor and freshness.
The recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.
The salad is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite ingredients and make it your own.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and nutrients, thanks to the squash and mixed greens.
The salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can also be served as a side dish or topping for a hearty bowl.
It's a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as it's free from animal products and by-products.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great roasted butternut squash salad is in the cooking technique. By roasting the squash in the oven, we bring out its natural sweetness and depth of flavor. The high heat caramelizes the squash, creating a tender and slightly charred texture that's just perfect.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the dressing. A good dressing can make or break a salad, and in this case, we're using a tangy and creamy dressing that complements the sweetness of the squash. The dressing is made with a mixture of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, which provides a nice balance of flavors.

Finally, the mixed greens add a nice crunch and freshness to the salad. By using a variety of greens, such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce, we create a salad that's both visually appealing and delicious.

Overall, the combination of roasted squash, tangy dressing, and fresh greens makes for a salad that's both healthy and satisfying. And the best part? It's easy to customize to your taste preferences, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great roasted butternut squash salad, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. In this recipe, we're using a combination of fresh and pantry staples to create a salad that's both delicious and nutritious.

Some of the key ingredients we'll be using include butternut squash, mixed greens, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. We'll also be adding some crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts for extra flavor and texture.

2 lbs (900g) butternut squash, peeled and cubedChoose a squash that's heavy for its size and has a hard, smooth skin. You can also use other types of winter squash, such as acorn or Hubbard.
4 cups (100g) mixed greens, such as arugula, spinach, and lettuceUse a variety of greens to create a salad that's both visually appealing and delicious. You can also add other greens, such as kale or collard greens, to the mix.
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture. You can also use other oils, such as avocado or grapeseed, if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegarChoose a vinegar that's made from high-quality apples and has a rich, tangy flavor. You can also use other types of vinegar, such as balsamic or white wine, if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustardUse a high-quality mustard that's made from brown or black mustard seeds and has a rich, tangy flavor. You can also use other types of mustard, such as whole-grain or honey mustard, if you prefer.
1/2 cup (60g) crumbled feta cheeseChoose a cheese that's made from high-quality milk and has a rich, tangy flavor. You can also use other types of cheese, such as goat cheese or parmesan, if you prefer.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnutsUse a high-quality walnut that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture. You can also use other nuts, such as almonds or pecans, if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) saltUse a high-quality salt that's made from natural minerals and has a rich, savory flavor. You can also use other types of salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, if you prefer.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperChoose a pepper that's made from high-quality peppercorns and has a rich, pungent flavor. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white pepper or green pepper, if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse a high-quality garlic that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture. You can also use other types of garlic, such as elephant garlic or silverskin garlic, if you prefer.

Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy baking sheetSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardLarge bowlWhisk

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large heavy baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tbsp (30ml) of the olive oil, salt, and pepper on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized, flipping the squash halfway through the cooking time.
3
While the squash is roasting, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tbsp (30ml) of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
4
Once the squash is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the roasted squash, mixed greens, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts.
5
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Let the salad rest for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7
Before serving, give the salad a good toss and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8
Serve the salad warm, garnished with additional walnuts and feta cheese if desired.
9
To make ahead, roast the squash and prepare the dressing up to a day in advance. Store the squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator and the dressing in a small bowl covered with plastic wrap.
10
To reheat, simply toss the salad with the dressing and serve.
11
You can also customize the salad to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as diced apples or chopped pecans.

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality butternut squash that's heavy for its size and has a hard, smooth skin.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent the squash from roasting evenly.
Let the salad rest for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Customize the salad to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as diced apples or chopped pecans.
Use a high-quality olive oil that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture.
Don't overdress the salad, as this can make it soggy and unappetizing.
Add the dressing just before serving, as this will help to preserve the texture of the greens.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not roasting the squash long enough, resulting in a dish that's not caramelized and tender.
Overdressing the salad, resulting in a dish that's soggy and unappetizing.
Not letting the salad rest long enough, resulting in a dish that's not flavorful and well-balanced.
Using low-quality ingredients, resulting in a dish that's not flavorful and nutritious.
Not customizing the salad to your taste, resulting in a dish that's not personalized and enjoyable.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced apples or chopped pecans to the salad for extra flavor and texture.
Use other types of cheese, such as goat cheese or parmesan, instead of feta.
Add some heat to the salad by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
Use other types of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, instead of walnuts.
Add some freshness to the salad by incorporating chopped herbs, such as parsley or basil.

What to Serve With Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

This roasted butternut squash salad is perfect for serving as a side dish or light lunch. You can also serve it as a topping for a hearty bowl or as a filling for a wrap or sandwich.

Some other ideas for serving this salad include:

Serving it alongside a warm and crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta.

Pairing it with a refreshing and light soup, such as tomato or butternut squash soup.

Using it as a topping for a bed of quinoa or brown rice.

Serving it as a side dish for a holiday meal, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Serve the salad alongside a warm and crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta.Pair the salad with a refreshing and light soup, such as tomato or butternut squash soup.Use the salad as a topping for a bed of quinoa or brown rice.Serve the salad as a side dish for a holiday meal, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This roasted butternut squash salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze, simply place the salad in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply thaw the salad overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Some tips for storing and reheating this salad include:

Letting the salad cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Using a high-quality airtight container to prevent the salad from becoming soggy or dry.

Reheating the salad gently, as high heat can cause the greens to become wilted and unappetizing.

Adding a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to the salad before reheating to help preserve its flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of butternut squash should I use for this recipe?

Choose a squash that's heavy for its size and has a hard, smooth skin. You can also use other types of winter squash, such as acorn or Hubbard.

How long does it take to roast the butternut squash?

The squash should be roasted for 30-40 minutes, or until it's tender and caramelized, flipping the squash halfway through the cooking time.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time. Simply roast the squash and prepare the dressing up to a day in advance, and then assemble the salad just before serving.

What type of cheese can I use instead of feta?

You can use other types of cheese, such as goat cheese or parmesan, instead of feta. Just be sure to choose a cheese that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture.

Can I add other ingredients to the salad?

Yes, you can customize the salad to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as diced apples or chopped pecans. Just be sure to choose ingredients that complement the flavors and textures of the salad.

How do I store the salad?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the salad for up to 2 months and then reheat it when you're ready to serve.

Can I reheat the salad?

Yes, you can reheat the salad. Simply thaw the salad overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.

What's the best way to serve the salad?

The salad is perfect for serving as a side dish or light lunch. You can also serve it as a topping for a hearty bowl or as a filling for a wrap or sandwich.

The Full Recipe

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