Description
Vibrant Autumn Harvest Salad featuring roasted butternut squash, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, toasted pecans, and creamy feta tossed with mixed greens and maple cider vinaigrette. A stunning celebration of fall flavors!
Ingredients
FOR THE SALAD:
6 cups mixed baby greens (spring mix, arugula, or baby spinach)
3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (½-inch pieces)
1 cup pomegranate seeds (about 1 large pomegranate)
¾ cup pecans, roughly chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting)
½ teaspoon sea salt (for roasting)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (for roasting)
FOR THE MAPLE CIDER VINAIGRETTE:
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel butternut squash, cut in half lengthwise, and scoop out seeds. Cut flesh into uniform ½-inch cubes.
3. Toss butternut squash cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
4. Spread seasoned squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without crowding. Use two pans if necessary.
5. Roast squash for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are caramelized and golden brown and centers are tender.
6. While squash roasts, prepare vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
7. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
8. Prepare pomegranate seeds: Cut off the crown, score skin into quarters, and submerge in a bowl of cold water. Break apart underwater, letting seeds sink and pith float. Skim off pith, drain seeds, and pat dry.
9. Wash mixed greens thoroughly and dry completely using a salad spinner. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
10. Remove roasted squash from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes to room temperature.
11. In a large serving bowl or platter, combine mixed greens, cooled roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, toasted pecans, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
12. Drizzle with maple cider vinaigrette just before serving, starting with half the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
13. Taste and add more dressing if needed. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
14. Serve immediately while greens are crisp and squash is still slightly warm.
Notes
Always dress salad just before serving to maintain crisp greens and prevent wilting.
Dry greens thoroughly after washing—excess water dilutes the dressing and makes salad soggy.
Let roasted squash cool slightly before adding to prevent wilting the delicate greens.
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers: roasted squash (4 days), pomegranate seeds (5 days), vinaigrette (1 week), toasted pecans (3 days).
For meal prep, keep all components separate and assemble individual portions just before eating.
Make this salad vegan by omitting feta or using vegan feta alternative.
Add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for a complete main course meal.
Substitute walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for pecans if preferred.
If pomegranates are unavailable, use dried cranberries or diced fresh apple.
Pre-cut butternut squash from the store works perfectly and saves significant prep time.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 13mg
Keywords: autumn harvest salad, fall salad recipe, butternut squash salad, pomegranate salad, seasonal salad
