Fall Harvest Salad: Easy Autumn Cobb with Roasted Butternut
Introduction
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, it’s time to embrace the flavors of autumn with our Fall Harvest Salad. This delectable dish combines the warmth of roasted butternut squash with the crunch of fresh apples and the savory notes of bacon, all tied together with a luscious maple vinaigrette. It’s a harvest salad butternut squash bacon apple autumn salad maple vinaigrette chicken Cobb easy side salad gluten free fall dinner salad pecans parmesan healthy squash salad that captures the essence of the season on your plate.
Why is it Perfect for You?
This Fall Harvest Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty. Perfect for those seeking a healthy, gluten-free option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s versatile enough to serve as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, and it’s sure to impress at any gathering. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite an adventure, while the nutrient-rich ingredients provide a nourishing boost to your day.
Ingredients List
◾ 4 cups mixed salad greens
◾ 2 cups cubed butternut squash
◾ 1 large apple, diced
◾ 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
◾ 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
◾ 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
◾ 1/4 cup dried cranberries
◾ 2 tablespoons olive oil
◾ Salt and pepper to taste
◾ 1/4 cup maple syrup
◾ 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
◾ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
◾ 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized. Allow to cool slightly before adding to the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Maple Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, gently toss the mixed salad greens with half of the maple vinaigrette. Arrange the dressed greens on a platter or individual plates. Top with the roasted butternut squash, diced apple, crumbled bacon, feta cheese, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top of the salad. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a few additional pecan halves and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy the symphony of autumn flavors!
Nutritional Information
This Fall Harvest Salad is packed with nutrients. The butternut squash provides vitamins A and C, while the apples offer fiber and antioxidants. Pecans add healthy fats and protein, making this a well-balanced meal.
Calories per Person
Approximately 450 calories per serving.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this salad even healthier, consider swapping the bacon for grilled chicken breast or roasted chickpeas. You can also reduce the amount of maple syrup in the dressing and increase the vinegar for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
This Fall Harvest Salad is perfect as a standalone meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup or a slice of crusty whole-grain bread. For a festive touch, serve it alongside roasted turkey or pork tenderloin for a complete autumn feast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overcook the butternut squash; it should be tender but still hold its shape. Avoid dressing the salad too far in advance to prevent the greens from becoming soggy. Also, be sure to toast the pecans gently to enhance their flavor without burning them.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
For best results, store the components of the salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The roasted butternut squash and vinaigrette will keep for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Fall Harvest Salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of your vinegar and mustard to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Can I substitute the butternut squash with another vegetable?
Absolutely! Sweet potato or pumpkin would make excellent alternatives that maintain the autumn theme.
What type of apple works best in this salad?
A crisp, sweet-tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith works wonderfully, providing both flavor and texture to the salad.
Conclusion
Our Fall Harvest Salad is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of autumn. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, crunchy and tender, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option or a stunning side dish for your fall gatherings, this salad delivers on all fronts. So gather your ingredients, and let’s celebrate the harvest season with every delicious bite!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
