Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed and cubed 1/2 inch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 – 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 – 4 tablespoons pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • 8 oz. salad mix of choice (baby greens, gem, arugula, spring mix, etc.)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons shallot, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (champagne or white wine vinegar)
  • 2 teaspoons dijon
  • mineral salt & cracked pepper, to taste

Instruction

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a roasting pan with parchment paper or lightly grease your pan.
  • Roast Squash: Combine squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil and maple syrup (either do this in a medium sized bowl or right on the baking sheet for one less dish to wash). Spread butternut squash on baking sheet in a single layer, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring half way through, or until squash is fork tender. Remove from oven and let cool a bit.
  • Dressing: In a small bowl mix together the olive oil, vinegar and mustard. Blend until mustard has emulsified. Add in water shallots, salt & pepper and whisk again until combined. Set aside.
  • Assemble: Fill your serving dish with salad of choice, add butternut squash, top with cranberries and pepitas. Drizzle your dressing over top and serve.
  • Makes 3 generous serving, or 6 smaller portions.
  • Feel free to use raisins or pomegranates seeds in place of cranberries.
  • Use pecans, walnuts or almonds in place of the pumpkin seeds if you prefer.
  • Try adding the cranberries with the butternut squash for the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm them up a bit.
  • Feel free to warm your dressing just before serving, or keep near a warm spot by the stove until ready to serve.
  • To make an oil free vinaigrette for this salad, use 1/4 – 1/3 cup apple juice or apple cider in place of the oil and water. When cooking the butternut squash, simply omit the oil.
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