Description
The “Autumn Bliss Salad with Maple Dressing” is a delightful blend of seasonal vegetables, fruits, and nuts, all brought together with a sweet and tangy maple dressing. This salad perfectly encapsulates the flavors of autumn, making it ideal for a nutritious lunch or a festive side dish. Its vibrant colors and diverse textures promise not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visually appealing plate.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and kale)
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash cubes
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step Directions
1. Roasting the Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
2. Preparing the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooled butternut squash, apple slices, toasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and dried cranberries.
3. Making the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
4. Combining Ingredients
Drizzle the maple dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time
The “Autumn Bliss Salad with Maple Dressing” serves 4 and takes approximately 35 minutes to prepare, including both preparation and cooking times.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage Tips: Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tips: It is best to enjoy the salad cold or at room temperature. If you find the pecans have lost their crunch, toast them lightly on a dry skillet before adding back to the salad.
Conclusion
The “Autumn Bliss Salad with Maple Dressing” is an exquisite demonstration of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a celebration of fall. This salad offers a wholesome, flavorful, and visually striking dish that’s not only perfect for autumn but can also graciously adapt to any meal year-round. Whether as a standalone lunch or as a side to a grander dinner, this salad promises to be a delightful addition.
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Autumn Bliss Salad with Maple Dressing
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
The “Autumn Bliss Salad with Maple Dressing” is a delightful blend of seasonal vegetables, fruits, and nuts, all brought together with a sweet and tangy maple dressing. This salad perfectly encapsulates the flavors of autumn, making it ideal for a nutritious lunch or a festive side dish. Its vibrant colors and diverse textures promise not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visually appealing plate.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and kale)
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash cubes
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roasting the Squash Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Preparing the Salad In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooled butternut squash, apple slices, toasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and dried cranberries.
- Making the Dressing In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Combining Ingredients Drizzle the maple dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.