Get ready to transform your ordinary salad into a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance! This Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Apple Salad is not just a dish—it's an autumnal experience that combines the sweet warmth of maple, the earthy richness of roasted squash, and the crisp freshness of apples. Perfect for those seeking a show-stopping side dish or a light yet satisfying meal that captures the essence of fall in every single bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 apples, diced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mixed greens
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Carefully peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and cube the flesh into roughly 1-inch uniform pieces to ensure even roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, diced apples, maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss the ingredients thoroughly to coat the squash and apples evenly with the seasoning.
- Spread the seasoned squash and apple mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the pieces are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization and roasting.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. The squash should be tender and golden brown with caramelized edges when done.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the mixed greens by washing and drying them thoroughly. Arrange the greens on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Once the roasted squash and apples are cool for a few minutes, carefully transfer them on top of the mixed greens.
- Optional: Drizzle additional maple syrup or add toasted nuts like pecans or pumpkin seeds for extra texture and flavor before serving.
- Serve immediately while the roasted squash is still warm, creating a delightful contrast with the cool, crisp mixed greens.
Tips
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure all squash cubes are roughly the same size to guarantee even roasting and caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread ingredients in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Temperature Matters: A high oven temperature (425°F) helps achieve those delicious caramelized edges on your squash.
- Maple Syrup Hack: For extra flavor, choose pure maple syrup instead of processed varieties.
- Serve Warm: The contrast between warm roasted squash and cool crisp greens creates a delightful temperature and texture experience.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add toasted nuts like pecans or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Roast the squash and apples in advance and gently reheat before serving to save time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
