Description
This Autumn Harvest Salad is a vibrant mix of seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, feta, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a sweet-tangy honey cider vinaigrette. A perfect fall salad that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
Honey Cider Vinaigrette
⅓ cup apple cider
⅓ cup honey
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
¾ cup olive oil
Salad
1 large bag spring mix or baby spinach
1–2 apples, sliced or diced
1 roasted butternut squash, diced
Handful of candied pecans
Handful of pepitas
Handful of crumbled feta
Handful of pomegranate arils
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Optional: shredded roasted chicken
Instructions
1. Make the Honey Cider Vinaigrette
- Combine the apple cider, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until the honey begins to incorporate, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary.
- With the blender running on low, slowly pour in the oil in a thin, steady stream until the dressing becomes creamy and emulsified.
2. Roast the Butternut Squash
(See detailed note below for prep steps.)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 204°C).
- Slice the squash in half lengthwise—separate the long top from the rounded bottom. Cut each section in half again lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds, peel the squash, and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss with a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle on salt and pepper, and lay pieces on a foil‑lined baking sheet.
- Roast 20 minutes or until tender and lightly golden—set aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Salad
- Place your greens in a large serving bowl.
- Add toppings: Layer on the roasted squash, sliced apples, candied pecans, pepitas, crumbled feta, pomegranate arils, and thin red onion slices.
- Dress and serve: Drizzle with Honey Cider Vinaigrette, toss gently to combine, and serve right away.
Notes
To prevent browning, toss apple slices in lemon juice or a bit of vinaigrette. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 213
- Sugar: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 3g