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Autumn Glow Salad

Autumn Glow Salad
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Autumn Glow Salad is a vibrant and nourishing fall salad that combines crisp apples, roasted butternut squash, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, leafy greens, and creamy goat cheese with a maple-Dijon dressing. This quick and easy salad celebrates the best of autumn’s harvest, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy textures. Ideal for a refreshing side or a satisfying main dish, it embodies seasonal eating with warm and fresh flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh mixed greens (such as baby kale, arugula, or spring mix)
  • 2 cups roasted butternut squash cubes (about 1 small butternut squash)
  • 2 medium crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese

Dressing Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube one small butternut squash, then toss the cubes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized on the edges. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. Slice the Apples: Choose crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Gala. Core and thinly slice just before assembling to maintain freshness and prevent browning. Optionally, toss apple slices with a teaspoon of lemon juice to keep them bright.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine fresh mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts. Crumble goat cheese or feta cheese over the top. Drizzle the maple-Dijon dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all flavors evenly.
  5. Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the Autumn Glow Salad fresh. Enjoy the delightful contrast of warm squash with cool greens and crisp apples.

Notes

  • Roast butternut squash in advance to save prep time on busy days.
  • Choose sturdy greens like baby kale or arugula to hold up well under the dressing.
  • Toast pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Slice apples last and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Adjust the maple syrup in the dressing according to the sweetness of your apples for balance.
  • Vegetarian and vegan variations are possible by swapping cheese or adding proteins.
  • Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; keep dressing separate.

Nutrition

Keywords: autumn salad, fall salad, butternut squash salad, apple salad, healthy salad, seasonal salad, gluten free salad, maple Dijon dressing

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/autumn-glow-salad/