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Butternut Squash Salad

This delectable butternut squash salad combines vibrant flavors and textures, featuring pomegranates, goat cheese, fresh greens, and a spiced cumin-date dressing. Substantial enough to serve as a main course, it also makes an excellent holiday side dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6 People

Ingredients
  

  • Salad
  • Spring mix greens: 6 cups loosely packed
  • Butternut squash: 1 small peeled, deseeded, and diced
  • Goat cheese: 2 ounces broken into small portions
  • Pomegranate seeds: ¼ cup for a burst of sweetness
  • Pistachios: ¼ cup toasted and crushed
  • Medjool dates: 2 pitted and finely chopped
  • Spice Blend
  • Ground cumin: ¼ teaspoon
  • Ground coriander: ¼ teaspoon
  • Ground cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon
  • Cayenne pepper: ¼ teaspoon adjusted to taste
  • Dressing Cider Date Dressing, with extra
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 5 tablespoons
  • Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
  • Fresh lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
  • Medjool date: 1 pitted
  • Garlic: ½ clove
  • Ground cumin: ⅛ teaspoon
  • Water: 3 to 5 tablespoons to achieve desired consistency
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
  • Additional
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: ½ to 1 teaspoon for roasting squash
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: to season squash

Instructions
 

  • Roast the Butternut Squash
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Arrange the diced butternut squash evenly on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat the pieces thoroughly, ensuring they are spread in a single layer. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
  • Prepare the Spice Mix
  • In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne. Set aside to use later.
  • Blend the Dressing
  • In a blender, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, date, garlic, and cumin. Add 3 tablespoons of water initially, blending until smooth. Incorporate additional water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches the desired pourable consistency. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Season the Roasted Squash
  • Once the roasted squash has slightly cooled, sprinkle it with the prepared spice blend while still warm, tossing gently to ensure even coverage.
  • Assemble the Salad
  • Layer half of the spring mix greens on a serving platter. Add half of the roasted squash and drizzle with one-third of the prepared dressing. Lightly toss to combine. Layer the remaining greens, followed by the rest of the squash, goat cheese, chopped dates, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pistachios. Drizzle additional dressing over the top, reserving some for serving if desired.
  • Serve Immediately
  • Present the salad immediately after assembly to preserve the crispness of the greens and the freshness of the ingredients.
Keyword Butternut Squash Salad