Description
A vibrant autumn-inspired salad filled with roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, nutty farro, and sweet cranberries, all tossed in a tangy-sweet honey balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a healthy seasonal meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, more or less to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, more or less to taste
- 1 cup cooked and cooled farro
- 6 ounces mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, spring mix, or baby kale)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 honey crisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (for vinaigrette)
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place butternut squash on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat and spread evenly. Roast for 30–35 minutes or until fork-tender. Set aside to cool.
- In a small jar or mason jar, add all vinaigrette ingredients. Secure the lid and shake until fully combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, farro, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and sliced apples.
- Drizzle the honey balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
- Make sure the farro is completely cooled before adding to the salad to avoid wilting the greens.
- The vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the pumpkin seeds before adding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
