Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Green Salad
This roasted butternut squash and spinach salad is a hearty and healthy meal that's perfect for fall. The squash is roasted until it's tender and slightly browned, and then tossed with fresh spinach, red onion, walnuts, and goat cheese. The salad is dressed with a simple vinaigrette, and it's a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to please everyone at the table.
I first came up with this recipe a few years ago when I was looking for a way to use up some leftover butternut squash. I had roasted the squash the night before, and I was planning on making soup with it, but I decided to try something different. I tossed the squash with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasted it in the oven until it was tender and slightly browned. Then, I added it to a bowl with some fresh spinach, red onion, walnuts, and goat cheese. I dressed the salad with a simple vinaigrette, and it was delicious! I've been making this salad ever since, and it's one of my favorite fall recipes.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Green Salad Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Green Salad Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Green Salad Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Green Salad
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bag baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  2. Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread squash on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and browned.
  4. In a large bowl, combine spinach, red onion, walnuts, and roasted squash.
  5. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette and toss to coat.
  6. Top with goat cheese, if desired.
Why It Works
  • Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness and caramelizes it slightly.
  • The combination of spinach, red onion, walnuts, and goat cheese adds a nice balance of flavors and textures to the salad.
  • The simple vinaigrette is a great way to dress the salad without overpowering the other ingredients.