![- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ½ cup dried cranberries - ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 2 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled - 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste The key to this salad is the butternut squash. It gives a sweet flavor and a nice texture. When you choose your squash, look for one that feels heavy and has smooth skin. The olive oil helps roast the squash, making it tender and golden brown. Dried cranberries add a burst of tartness. They pair well with the creamy feta cheese. The walnuts provide a nice crunch that balances the softness of the squash. You can swap the spinach for mixed greens if you prefer. For the dressing, balsamic vinegar brings a tangy flavor. Maple syrup adds sweetness to the glaze. Dijon mustard gives it a kick. Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out all the flavors. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Preheating the oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat is perfect for roasting the squash. Preparing the butternut squash Next, peel and cube one medium butternut squash. Make sure the pieces are about the same size. This helps them cook evenly. In a large bowl, toss the squash with two tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat each piece well. Making the cranberry glaze In a small saucepan, mix ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Heat this over medium heat. Stir often and let it simmer for about five minutes. It should thicken slightly. Roasting the squash Spread the coated squash on a lined baking sheet. Place it in the preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes. Remember to flip the pieces halfway through. They should be tender and caramelized when done. Assembling the salad Once the squash is roasted, let it cool for a few minutes. In a large salad bowl, combine the roasted squash, ½ cup of dried cranberries, ½ cup of roughly chopped walnuts, and 2 cups of fresh spinach or mixed greens. Crumble ¼ cup of feta cheese on top. Drizzling the glaze Finally, drizzle the cranberry glaze over your salad. Gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients get coated. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature for the best flavors. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. For the best roasted butternut squash, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps caramelize the squash perfectly. To ensure even caramelization, cut the squash into uniform cubes. This way, all pieces cook at the same rate. Spread the cubes out on the baking sheet. Avoid crowding them; this lets the heat circulate. Flip the squash halfway through roasting. This helps achieve that lovely golden color on all sides. When picking butternut squash, look for firm and heavy ones. They should have a smooth skin and no blemishes. A good squash feels heavy for its size, which means it's full of flavor. If you want a different taste, try goat cheese instead of feta. It adds a creamy and tangy touch. For a dairy-free option, use avocado or a nut-based cheese. Both options work well in this salad. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. {{image_2}} You can change this salad with seasonal items. In fall, add roasted apples or pears. They give a sweet and juicy bite. In winter, try adding pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor. The seeds add a nice crunch too. For vegan diets, replace feta cheese with avocado or tofu. This switch keeps it creamy and tasty. For gluten-free needs, make sure your balsamic vinegar has no gluten. Most brands are safe, but check labels. These swaps keep everyone happy at the table. To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. If you have extra glaze, store it in a separate container. It helps maintain the salad's crispness. Use the salad within three days for the best taste. You can reheat this salad in the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, warm it for a short time. This keeps the squash soft but may wilt the greens. Oven reheating keeps the salad's texture better. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. Enjoy the salad warm or at room temperature. For detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. Can I substitute fresh cranberries? Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. They will add a tart flavor. Just chop them up and mix them in. You might want to add a bit more maple syrup for sweetness. How do I make this salad in advance? You can prepare the butternut squash ahead of time. Roast it and store it in the fridge. Mix the salad just before serving for best taste. Keep the cranberry glaze separate until ready to serve. What can I serve with this salad? This salad pairs well with roasted chicken or fish. It also goes great with a warm grain bowl. You can even serve it as a side at a holiday meal. Calorie count per serving Each serving has about 250 calories. This number can change based on the amount of feta or walnuts you add. Health benefits of key ingredients - Butternut squash is high in vitamins A and C. - Cranberries are great for urinary health and rich in antioxidants. - Walnuts offer healthy fats and protein. - Spinach is packed with iron and vitamins. This salad is not just tasty; it’s good for you too! Enjoy the full recipe for a delightful meal. This blog post covered how to make a delicious butternut squash salad. We explored key ingredients like butternut squash, olive oil, and cranberries. I gave easy steps for preparation, cooking, and tips for perfect roasting. We also discussed variations and how to store leftovers properly. In closing, this salad not only tastes great but is healthy too. Try different ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen!](https://stirredrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/70185da8-76a1-4e59-bdf2-614622800200-300x300.webp)
Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Elevate your fall dining with this delicious cranberry-glazed roasted butternut squash salad! This vibrant dish combines sweet, caramelized butternut squash with tangy cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a refreshing lunch, it's easy to make in just 45 minutes. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a burst of autumn flavors on your plate!