Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

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This salad blends the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the salty crunch of bacon, creating a mouthwatering contrast in every bite. The balsamic glaze adds a perfect balance of tanginess, while the caramelized onions enhance the depth of flavor.

It’s an ideal salad for any fall occasion, from a cozy dinner to a Thanksgiving feast. The toasted pecans add a delightful crunch, while the creamy feta cheese offers a rich, savory note. Whether you serve it as a side or a light meal, this salad will become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon. Toss with the mixed greens and top with crumbled feta and toasted pecans if desired.
Serve immediately, drizzled with any leftover balsamic glaze from the roasting pan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why You’ll Love This Salad:

Simple and Wholesome Ingredients: Butternut squash, bacon, and onions are pantry staples that come together easily for a wholesome meal or side dish. The combination of roasted squash and crispy bacon makes this salad a comforting yet light option, perfect for fall.
Perfect for Any Occasion: This dish works beautifully as a light lunch or dinner, but it’s also ideal for serving as a side at Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or potlucks. It pairs well with other fall favorites like roasted turkey, baked ham, or a rich soup.
Balanced Flavors: The sweet roasted squash is balanced by the savory bacon, while the balsamic glaze brings an extra touch of acidity and sweetness that enhances all the flavors. Caramelized onions add a subtle sweetness, and the crumbled feta cheese brings in a creamy, salty component.

How to Make the Best Roasted Butternut Squash Salad:

Roast the Squash Right: The key to a great roasted butternut squash is making sure it’s tender and caramelized. Toss the squash cubes with olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to bring out the natural sweetness, and roast them at a high temperature (400°F or 200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to flip the cubes halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Crispy Bacon: To get the perfect crispy bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat. This allows the fat to render out and the bacon to become crispy and flavorful. Don’t rush this step—crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch to the salad.
Caramelized Onions: Caramelizing onions takes time but is totally worth it. Cooking them slowly in the bacon fat gives them a rich, deep flavor that complements the sweetness of the butternut squash.
Assemble and Serve: Once the squash is roasted, the bacon is crispy, and the onions are caramelized, it’s time to assemble your salad. Toss the roasted squash, bacon, and onions together with fresh mixed greens. Top with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans for added texture and richness.

Customization Ideas:

Vegan Option: Skip the bacon and feta for a completely plant-based salad. You can replace the bacon with roasted chickpeas for added crunch and protein, and use a dairy-free feta cheese or omit the cheese entirely.
Add Other Vegetables: This salad is versatile and can be customized with other fall vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or beets. Feel free to get creative based on what you have in season!
Make it a Meal: To make this salad more filling, you can add cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous. These grains add texture and make the salad a more substantial meal.

Tips for Perfecting This Salad:

Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: When roasting the squash, make sure there’s enough space on the baking sheet for the cubes to roast evenly. If the pieces are too crowded, they’ll steam rather than caramelize.
Make Ahead: You can prep the components of this salad ahead of time. Roast the squash and caramelize the onions a day ahead, then simply assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve. The bacon can be cooked and stored separately until serving to maintain its crispiness.
Dressing: If you prefer a dressing, you can drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar or olive oil right before serving. A touch of Dijon mustard in the dressing can also add a lovely tang.

Serving Suggestions:

This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, such as chicken, pork, or turkey. It also makes an excellent starter or side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Add a slice of crusty bread on the side to soak up any leftover dressing!

Why It’s Perfect for Fall:

The combination of roasted vegetables, warm flavors, and seasonal ingredients like butternut squash and bacon makes this salad a perfect choice for fall. It captures all the comforting tastes of autumn while being fresh and light enough for a healthy meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or making it for a weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Bacon and Onions

This Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Bacon and Onions offers a delightful contrast of sweet and savory flavors. The richness of caramelized onions and crispy bacon, paired with the subtle sweetness of roasted butternut squash, makes this salad a fall favorite. It’s simple to prepare, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

More About Butternut Squash and Its Benefits:

Butternut squash is a nutrient-packed vegetable that’s naturally sweet and flavorful. Not only does it add depth of flavor to your salad, but it’s also loaded with vitamins A and C, essential antioxidants that help boost your immune system. It’s an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Butternut squash is also rich in potassium, which supports heart health and regulates blood pressure.

Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness, making it a perfect pairing with the savory components of this dish. The caramelization process enhances the flavor, giving the squash a deeper, richer taste that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

The Role of Bacon and Onions:

Bacon and onions are classic flavor companions. The crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch, while its rich, salty flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweet squash. Plus, bacon’s smoky aroma elevates the overall flavor profile of the salad.

Caramelized onions are a key ingredient in many savory dishes, and they truly shine in this salad. Slow-cooking onions releases their sugars, making them soft and sweet. When cooked with bacon fat, the onions absorb all the savory goodness, making them a natural addition to this dish. They bring a deep, savory flavor to the salad that balances the sweetness of the butternut squash and the richness of the bacon.

Health Benefits of This Salad:

This salad is more than just a delicious side dish; it’s a powerhouse of nutrients that can contribute to a balanced and healthy diet. Here are some key benefits:

Rich in Fiber: Both the butternut squash and the mixed greens contribute fiber to this dish, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
Packed with Antioxidants: The squash is rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, promoting healthy vision and skin. The onions add additional antioxidants, supporting overall health.
Good Source of Healthy Fats: The olive oil used for roasting the squash and the bacon fat contribute healthy fats, which are essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Plus, the toasted pecans add omega-3 fatty acids, which promote brain health.
High in Protein: Bacon, pecans, and feta cheese all provide a good amount of protein, making this salad more filling and balanced.

How to Make the Salad Your Own:

One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. You can easily make swaps or additions based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Here are a few ideas for customizing your salad:

Add Other Roasted Vegetables: In addition to butternut squash, you can add other fall vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. These vegetables add flavor and texture, making the salad even more filling.
Try Different Greens: While mixed greens are a great base for this salad, you can experiment with other leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, or kale for added flavor. Arugula will bring a peppery bite, while kale will add a hearty texture.
Use Different Nuts: Pecans are a great addition for crunch, but feel free to swap them out for walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds. Toasting the nuts beforehand will enhance their flavor.
Substitute the Feta: If you prefer a dairy-free salad, you can skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative. You could also swap in goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Vinaigrette Dressing: If you prefer a homemade dressing, you can whip up a balsamic vinaigrette using balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. This will tie all the ingredients together beautifully.

Can I Make This Salad Ahead?

Yes, you can definitely make this salad ahead! Here’s how you can prep in advance:

Roast the Butternut Squash: Roast the squash a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it briefly in the oven to restore its warmth.
Prepare the Bacon and Onions: You can cook the bacon and caramelize the onions ahead of time as well. Store them in separate airtight containers and refrigerate. Reheat the bacon in a skillet to bring back its crispiness.
Assemble Before Serving: Keep the mixed greens and any fresh toppings separate until it’s time to serve. When you’re ready, toss everything together for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

The Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Bacon and Onions is more than just a delicious fall dish—it’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that can be enjoyed year-round. Its versatility allows for endless variations, making it easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you serve it as a side for a family dinner, a light main dish, or as part of a festive celebration, this salad will not disappoint. With its combination of nutrient-rich ingredients like butternut squash, bacon, and caramelized onions, it’s not only a treat for your taste buds but also a healthful addition to your meal plan. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavor, this salad is a must-try for any occasion.

So, grab those ingredients, and elevate your salad game with this vibrant, hearty, and delicious creation. Your family and guests will be asking for seconds!