Butternut squash is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. One popular way to incorporate butternut squash is by pairing it with spinach to create a flavorful and nutritious salad. This Butternut Squash & Spinach Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, and Pomegranate is a perfect example of a dish that combines the earthy sweetness of squash with the freshness of spinach.
Butternut Squash & Spinach Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, Pomegranate
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, baby spinach, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and pomegranate seeds.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients.
How to prepare:
This Butternut Squash & Spinach Salad is incredibly easy to prepare. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, peel and cube a medium-sized butternut squash. Place the squash cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast the squash in the oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cubes are tender and slightly caramelized.
In a large salad bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, baby spinach, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and pomegranate seeds. Toss the salad gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad is truly delightful.
Preparation time:
The preparation time for this Butternut Squash & Spinach Salad is relatively short. It takes about 10 minutes to peel and cube the butternut squash, and another 5 minutes to toss the ingredients together. The roasting time in the oven is approximately 25-30 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend around 45 minutes preparing this delicious salad.
Servings:
This Butternut Squash & Spinach Salad serves approximately 4-6 people, depending on their appetite. If you are serving it as a main dish, it will likely serve 4 people. However, if it is being served as a side dish, it can be stretched to serve 6 people.
Nutrition Facts:
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants. The butternut squash provides a good source of potassium, while the spinach adds iron and calcium to the mix. The pecans and cranberries add healthy fats and additional antioxidants to the dish. Overall, this salad is a nutritious and well-balanced option for any meal.
Tips:
- To make the salad even more flavorful, consider adding crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese.
- If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle the salad with a balsamic glaze or honey mustard dressing.
- Make this salad in advance by roasting the butternut squash and storing it in the fridge until ready to use. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine all the ingredients and enjoy!
Overall, this Butternut Squash & Spinach Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, and Pomegranate is a delightful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.
Sources:
Recipes and images sourced from various websites:
- https:\/\/c1.staticflickr.com\/6\/5666\/30714637560_3768b8faf5_c.jpg
- https:\/\/i.pinimg.com\/originals\/d2\/da\/c6\/d2dac61dd9e140c7297a5d7c9249ab9c.png
- https:\/\/simply-delicious-food.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Spinach-stuffed-butternut-squash-3.jpg
- https:\/\/images.eatsmarter.com\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/920x690\/public\/creamed-spinach-and-grilled-butternut-squash-536104.jpg
- https:\/\/i.pinimg.com\/originals\/ea\/e8\/ed\/eae8edce72c022792f88ae5efbf9a2cc.png
- https:\/\/i.pinimg.com\/736x\/bb\/3d\/96\/bb3d968ebfea1c6442eb158c3f2a09ae.jpg
- https:\/\/i.pinimg.com\/originals\/a5\/c9\/7d\/a5c97dc2fdb851ab4705d07fb114d664.jpg
- https:\/\/www.imperialsugar.com\/sites\/default\/files\/recipe\/Saut\u00e9ed-Butternut-Squash-and-Spinach-imperial.jpg
- https:\/\/i.pinimg.com\/originals\/f7\/14\/d9\/f714d9cba8b16e57654d8693b43c36e3.jpg
- https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.alattefood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Sausage-Pasta-07.jpg?ssl=1
