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Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Harvest Salad

creamy roasted butternut squash harvest salad - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring warm, caramelized butternut squash tossed with peppery arugula, toasted walnuts, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 large handfuls fresh arugula
  • 1/2 cup plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
  4. While squash roasts, toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  6. In a large bowl, combine arugula and toasted walnuts.
  7. Drizzle dressing over greens and toss gently to coat.
  8. Add warm roasted squash and crumbled feta cheese. Toss lightly.
  9. Serve immediately while squash is still warm.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure the squash roasts rather than steams. Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld. Keep dressing separate if meal prepping to prevent wilting the arugula. For a vegan version, swap Greek yogurt for plant-based yogurt and feta for vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash, harvest salad, thanksgiving side, creamy dressing, vegetarian, quick dinner, fall recipes, healthy salad