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Autumn Glow Salad

Autumn Glow Salad

The Autumn Glow Salad is a vibrant and colorful fall salad that combines crisp apples, roasted butternut squash, peppery greens, toasted nuts, and creamy cheese, all brought together with a sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette. This fresh and wholesome salad celebrates seasonal flavors and textures, making it perfect as a light lunch or a festive side dish.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for roasting and dressing
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups fresh arugula or spinach
  • 2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

Maple Vinaigrette

  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes and Variations

  • Additional toasted nuts or seeds (e.g., almonds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds)
  • Pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, or pear slices
  • Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
  • Plant-based cheese or crumbled tofu (for vegan option)
  • Grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or canned beans (for protein boost)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash, then toss with olive oil, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until they are tender and lightly caramelized.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the balance of sweet and tangy to your preference.
  3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, place the fresh arugula or spinach. Add the thinly sliced apples, roasted butternut squash, toasted nuts, and crumbled cheese. Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of toasted nuts, cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, or chopped herbs if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the combination of crisp and warm textures at their best.

Notes

  • Choose firm, crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala to maintain texture.
  • Do not over-roast the butternut squash to keep it tender but not mushy.
  • Lightly toast nuts in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes to enhance flavor and crunch.
  • Toss the salad just before serving to keep greens fresh and crisp.
  • Adjust the maple vinaigrette by adding more vinegar for tang or more syrup for sweetness according to taste.
  • Toss sliced apples with lemon juice or add them last to prevent browning.
  • Store leftover salad and dressing separately to maintain freshness for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing is not recommended as it alters texture of fresh ingredients.
  • Warm leftover roasted squash gently before reassembling the salad if needed.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 12 mg

Keywords: Autumn salad, fall salad, butternut squash salad, apple salad, maple vinaigrette, healthy salad, seasonal salad, gluten free, vegetarian