Sides

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

This salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, combining the sweetness of cranberries and maple syrup, the creaminess of goat cheese, and the crunch of pumpkin seeds and bacon!

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Prep
15 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Total
40 minutes
Serves
4
people
Author
Cody Landry
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
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This Roasted Butternut Squash Salad is everything you want in a fall dish—warm, comforting, and packed with flavor! Imagine sweet, caramelized butternut squash tossed with tangy dried cranberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pumpkin seeds, all on a bed of tender kale. And let’s not forget the crispy bacon bits for a savory kick! Drizzled with a simple maple Dijon vinaigrette, this salad is a beautiful blend of textures and tastes, making it the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent. It’s like fall in every bite!

Additions & Substitutions:

  • Add Proteins: Grilled chicken or tofu can make this salad heartier.
  • Swap the Greens: Use spinach or arugula instead of kale for a different texture.
  • Change the Cheese: Feta or blue cheese can replace goat cheese for a sharper flavor.
  • Seed Switch: Swap pumpkin seeds for walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Tips for Prepping Ahead:

  • Keep the roasted squash, dressing, and other toppings separate from the kale. Assemble just before serving to avoid sogginess.
  • Store the dressing in a jar and toss right before eating!

Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 1 small butternut squash, cut into 1in cubes
  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper (for roasting)

Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25 minutes until tender.
  2. Massage kale with a little olive oil to soften. Add roasted squash, cranberries, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, and bacon.
  3. Whisk dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad. Toss and serve.