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butternut squash salad

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

A vibrant autumn salad featuring caramelized roasted butternut squash, crunchy pepitas, tangy dried cranberries, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed with a sweet-tangy maple vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Vegetarian & Vegan Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 small butternut squash (about 2 pounds) peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4-5 cups mixed greens baby spinach, arugula, or mesclun mix
  • ¼ cup pepitas toasted
  • cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled
  • ½ small red onion thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 medium apple cored and diced (optional)
For the Maple Vinaigrette
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup not pancake syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small clove garlic minced (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring pieces aren't crowded.
  4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized with golden-brown edges.
  5. While the squash roasts, prepare the maple vinaigrette by whisking together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic (if using) in a small bowl.
  6. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. If using raw pepitas, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
  8. Allow the roasted squash to cool for about 10 minutes.
  9. In a large serving bowl, arrange mixed greens as the base layer.
  10. Top with the warm butternut squash, red onion (if using), and diced apple (if using).
  11. Sprinkle with dried cranberries, toasted pepitas, and crumbled feta cheese.
  12. Drizzle with the maple vinaigrette just before serving, starting with half the dressing and adding more as needed.
  13. Gently toss all ingredients to distribute the dressing evenly and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For meal prep, store all components separately and assemble just before eating.
  • The squash can be roasted up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.
  • Make this salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese or substituting with a plant-based alternative.
  • Pre-cut butternut squash from the grocery store saves significant prep time.