Fall Harvest Salad with Butternut Squash & Apple

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Created on August 11th, 2025 at 05:52 pm

Butternut Squash & Apple Salad

Golden roasted butternut squash, crisp apple, juicy pomegranate seeds, and crunchy pepitas — this fall harvest salad is a cozy yet refreshing way to celebrate the season. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday tables 🍂🥗

⏱️ Time Breakdown:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

📝 Ingredients:

Salad:

½ large butternut squash, cut into ½-inch cubes (4 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 (5 oz.) package baby kale
1 medium apple, cut into ½-inch pieces
½ cup pomegranate seeds (from ½ medium pomegranate)
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup pepitas (no shell pumpkin seeds), toasted

Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Roast the Butternut Squash 🥔
Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, toss butternut squash with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking pan and roast for 30 minutes, until fork-tender.
Assemble the Salad 🥬
In a large serving bowl, combine baby kale, roasted butternut squash, diced apple, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and toasted pepitas.
Make the Dressing 🍯
In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Serve & Enjoy
Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat.

💡 Pro Tips:

Make Ahead: Roast the squash, toast the pepitas, and prep dressing up to 2 days ahead. Add fresh apple just before serving to prevent browning.
Pepita Perfection: For extra flavor, toss pepitas with honey and olive oil before toasting.
Substitutions: Swap kale for spinach or mixed greens; feta can be replaced with goat cheese.
Serving Idea: Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or as part of a festive holiday spread.

📊 Nutrition Info (per serving):

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	10g	35g	24g	6g	11g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on ingredients and preparation. Consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.