Roasted Butternut Squash Salad : A Cozy & Colorful Fall Favorite

When autumn arrives and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a beautiful Roasted Butternut Squash Salad. This salad is the epitome of cozy-meets-fresh—featuring tender roasted squash, crunchy greens, tangy vinaigrette, and seasonal toppings like pomegranate seeds and nuts. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving side, a healthy weeknight dinner, or a festive fall potluck dish, this salad delivers flavor, nutrition, and elegance.

This fall harvest salad brings together the best of the season in every bite. It’s versatile enough to enjoy as a main dish or a side, and it pairs perfectly with hearty autumn flavors like roasted veggies, creamy soups, and even Stuffed Acorn Squash.

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Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Salad Recipe

This salad checks all the boxes: it’s colorful, nutrient-rich, flavorful, and easy to customize. It also fits a variety of diets—vegetarian, gluten-free, and easily vegan if you skip the cheese. You can enjoy it warm or cold, as a light lunch, or alongside a Creamy Mushroom Soup or Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Zucchini.

Here’s why this dish belongs in your fall recipe rotation:

• Showcases seasonal ingredients like squash, pomegranate, and greens
• Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time
• Elegant enough for holidays like Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving
• Customizable for dairy-free, vegan, or nut-free diets
• Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants

Whether you’re looking for Autumn Salad Recipes, a vibrant Thanksgiving Salad, or a unique take on a classic Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Salad, this one delivers.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful and festive fall salad. Quantities are adjustable based on how many servings you need.

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 4 cups)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for warmth)
• 5 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale work well)
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or sage), for garnish

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

This simple vinaigrette ties everything together with a sweet-tangy balance that complements the roasted squash beautifully.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Salad spinner or large bowl for greens
• Small jar or whisk and bowl for dressing
• Large salad serving bowl
• Optional: mandolin slicer for onion

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Roast the squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional cinnamon. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.

Step 2: Make the dressing
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.

Step 3: Assemble the salad
In a large bowl or platter, arrange the greens. Top with roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, sliced onion, nuts, and goat cheese if using.

Step 4: Dress and serve
Drizzle the dressing over the top right before serving. Gently toss to coat, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy immediately.

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Tips for Perfectly Roasted Butternut Squash

• Use uniform cubes to ensure even roasting. Aim for ¾ to 1-inch pieces.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan, which causes steaming instead of caramelization.
• Flip halfway through roasting for even browning on all sides.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or smoked paprika for extra flavor depth.

If you’re short on time, many grocery stores carry pre-cut butternut squash to save prep time.

Variations: From Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Salad to Pomegranate Pear Quinoa

This roasted butternut squash salad is easy to customize based on your flavor preferences or dietary needs. Try one of these ideas:

Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Salad

Keep the roasted squash and greens, then add crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped pistachios. Swap the dressing for a balsamic glaze.

Butternut Squash Pomegranate Salad

Focus on the sweet and tangy contrast. Use pomegranate seeds, roasted squash, baby arugula, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle with a maple vinaigrette.

Roasted Acorn Squash & Pear Quinoa Salad

Substitute acorn squash for butternut and add roasted pear slices, cooked quinoa, and chopped kale. This makes a great grain-based fall salad.

Each of these variations works beautifully as a holiday salad or seasonal lunch option.

What Dressing Pairs Best with Butternut Squash Salad?

Because butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavor, it pairs well with tangy or slightly sweet dressings. Here are some of our favorites:

• Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: A mix of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
• Balsamic Glaze: For a deeper, richer flavor.
• Citrus Vinaigrette: Orange or lemon juice adds brightness.
• Honey Mustard: Balances sweetness and acidity for a family-friendly option.

Whichever dressing you choose, use a light hand so the vibrant flavors of the squash and toppings shine through.

Serving Suggestions for Fall Harvest Butternut Squash Salad

This salad can be served as a main dish or a stunning side. Here are some pairing suggestions to create a well-rounded fall meal:

• With soup: Try Creamy Mushroom Soup or Pumpkin Chicken Chili
• With roasted vegetables: Add a side of Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
• With holiday starters: Serve with Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip or Pumpkin Twists

It’s also a great addition to any fall buffet, potluck, or Thanksgiving spread.

Make-Ahead Tips and How to Store Leftovers

This salad is great for prepping ahead—just keep components separate until serving.

To make ahead:

• Roast the squash up to 2 days in advance
• Make the dressing and store in a sealed jar in the fridge
• Wash and dry greens ahead of time

To store leftovers:
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that dressed greens may wilt, so it’s best to store dressing separately if possible.

Nutritional Benefits of Butternut Squash Salad

Not only is this salad flavorful and seasonal, but it’s also loaded with nutrients. Butternut squash is a great source of:

• Vitamin A and beta-carotene for eye and skin health
• Fiber to aid digestion and promote satiety
• Potassium and magnesium for heart health
• Antioxidants from pomegranate seeds and leafy greens

Adding nuts brings in healthy fats and protein, while goat cheese offers calcium (if included). It’s a feel-good salad in every way.

When to Serve This Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

This salad is ideal for:

• Thanksgiving or holiday dinners
• Autumn brunches or potlucks
• Weeknight dinners or healthy lunches
• Meal prep for two to three days of delicious salads
• Vegetarian mains or side dishes

It brings warmth and color to any table and pleases both plant-based eaters and meat lovers alike.

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FAQ – Butternut Squash Salad Recipes

Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, but roast directly from frozen and increase the cooking time slightly. It may be softer and less caramelized than fresh.

Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Just omit the goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.

What greens work best?
Baby spinach, arugula, baby kale, or mixed greens all work beautifully. Choose a tender green that can hold up to the warmth of the squash.

Can I add grains?
Yes. Add cooked quinoa, farro, or wild rice to make the salad more filling and protein-rich.

More Autumn Salad Recipes to Try

Love this roasted squash salad? Here are more seasonal recipes to explore:

• Pumpkin Twists – A flaky and fun seasonal side
• Cucumber Dill Salad – Refreshing and light
• Stuffed Acorn Squash – A hearty vegetarian main
• Pumpkin Chicken Chili – Cozy and flavorful fall comfort food

Final Thoughts on Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

This Roasted Butternut Squash Salad brings together everything we love about fall—warm flavors, hearty textures, and vibrant colors. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress at any meal.

Whether you’re making it for a special holiday dinner or just a weeknight treat, this salad is a celebration of seasonal produce at its finest. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new fall favorite in your kitchen!

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