Description
This Autumn Chopped Salad is a cozy and vibrant mix featuring roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, tangy feta, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a seasonal lunch or a light dinner, it’s refreshing yet comforting for crisp autumn days.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 1 cup diced butternut squash
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the butternut squash, which gives it a tender and caramelized texture.
- Prepare Squash: Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to coat evenly.
- Roast Squash: Spread the coated squash pieces evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix together the fresh mixed greens, chopped apples, chopped walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and finely chopped red onion.
- Add Roasted Squash: Once the butternut squash has cooled slightly, add it to the salad bowl with the other ingredients.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated and combined.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the crisp and fresh textures alongside the warm roasted squash.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- To make this salad gluten free, ensure the balsamic vinaigrette does not contain gluten-based additives.
- Walnuts can be toasted lightly to enhance their flavor before adding to the salad.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it altogether.
- Feel free to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors just before serving.
