Oh, the joy of the holiday season! One of my absolute favorite things to whip up is this Christmas Roasted Butternut Squash Salad. It’s not just a salad; it’s a festive celebration of flavors and colors that brightens any holiday table. The sweetness of the roasted butternut squash pairs beautifully with the tartness of dried cranberries and the crunch of walnuts. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free treat! I remember making this for a family gathering last year, and everyone went back for seconds—what a win! Trust me, this salad is a delicious way to bring a touch of warmth and cheer to your holiday meals!
Ingredients for Christmas Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this festive masterpiece! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
These ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors! Feel free to get creative—add in other seasonal veggies if you like. Just remember, the key to a great salad is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Christmas Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Let’s dive right into the fun part—making this delightful salad! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds and totally worth the little bit of time it takes. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning dish ready to impress your guests!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven ensures that your butternut squash gets beautifully caramelized and tender. Trust me, the smell of roasting squash is like a warm hug—so cozy!
Roast the Butternut Squash
Now, grab your cubed butternut squash and toss it in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is well-coated; this is where the flavor magic happens! Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer—this helps it roast evenly. Pop it in the oven and let it roast for about 25-30 minutes. I like to check for tenderness by poking a piece with a fork; it should be soft and slightly caramelized. If it’s not quite there yet, don’t hesitate to give it a few more minutes!
Assemble the Salad
Once your butternut squash is out of the oven and cooled a bit, it’s time to bring everything together. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, dried cranberries, walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. The colors and textures here are so vibrant—it’s like a holiday feast for your eyes! Gently fold in the roasted squash, and drizzle everything with balsamic vinegar just before serving. For that extra special touch, consider adding a sprinkle of extra feta on top or a few more walnuts for crunch. This salad not only tastes amazing but looks gorgeous too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a festive and colorful addition to any holiday table.
- Packed with nutrients, it’s both healthy and satisfying.
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings.
- Beautifully balances sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors.
- Versatile enough to adapt with your favorite seasonal veggies.
Trust me, this salad will not only impress your guests but also leave you feeling good about your holiday feast choices!
Tips for Success
To make this Christmas Roasted Butternut Squash Salad shine, here are a few handy tips! First, if you prefer a sweeter flavor, drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the squash before roasting—it adds a lovely touch! Keep an eye on the roasting time; depending on your oven, it might take a little less or more than 30 minutes, so check for that tender, caramelized goodness. And don’t hesitate to mix in other seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts or beets for added flavor and color. Lastly, serve the salad fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them separately to maintain the crunch of the greens. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delicious Christmas Roasted Butternut Squash Salad. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 200mg
This salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a wholesome addition to your holiday meals. Enjoy every nutrient-packed bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make the Christmas Roasted Butternut Squash Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast the butternut squash a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, just assemble the salad right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese can work beautifully in this salad. Each will bring a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment!
Can I add protein to this salad?
For sure! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some slices of turkey would make excellent additions. They’ll turn this salad into a full meal while still keeping that festive vibe!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep the salad fresh, store the roasted butternut squash and salad greens separately in airtight containers. This will help maintain the crunchiness of the greens. Enjoy within a couple of days!
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, indeed! This Christmas Roasted Butternut Squash Salad is completely vegetarian, making it a great option for holiday gatherings with friends and family who follow a vegetarian diet.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got leftovers from your Christmas Roasted Butternut Squash Salad, don’t worry! To keep everything fresh, store the roasted butternut squash and the mixed greens separately in airtight containers. This way, you can maintain the crispness of your greens and the deliciousness of the squash. They should stay good for about 2-3 days in the fridge.
When you’re ready to enjoy your salad again, I recommend letting the squash come to room temperature and then gently mixing it with the greens. Avoid reheating the salad in the microwave, as it can make the greens wilt. Instead, just toss everything together and drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar for a fresh kick!
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Roasted Butternut Squash Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday dishes! Serve it alongside a juicy roast chicken or turkey for a delightful contrast of flavors. It also complements hearty main courses like glazed ham or a savory pumpkin soup. For a vegetarian option, try it with a creamy risotto or stuffed acorn squash. Trust me, your holiday table will shine with this vibrant salad!
For more festive recipes, check out Christmas appetizers and party ideas to complete your holiday feast!
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Christmas Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: 5 Festive Delights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive salad featuring roasted butternut squash.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cranberries, walnuts, and feta.
- Add the roasted butternut squash to the salad.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other seasonal veggies.
- Use maple syrup for a sweeter dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Christmas Roasted Butternut Squash Salad