Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad

Elevate your salad game with this Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad — a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Sweet, caramelized butternut squash pairs beautifully with earthy baby spinach, crunchy toasted pecans, tart dried cranberries, and creamy feta cheese, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. A simple homemade balsamic dressing, infused with honey and Dijon mustard, ties it all together with a tangy-sweet finish. Easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, this colorful salad is an ideal side or light main for cozy fall dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a fresh, seasonal recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium (about 2 pounds) butternut squash
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 cups baby spinach
• 0.5 cup pecans
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries
• 0.5 cup (crumbled) feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Peel and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces. Discard seeds.

Step 3

In a large bowl, toss the squash cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon until evenly coated.

Step 4

Spread the squash evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.

Step 5

While the squash is roasting, heat a small pan over medium heat and toast the pecans for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to make the dressing.

Step 7

In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, roasted butternut squash, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 8

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a main dish or side and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1399.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1665.5

Total Fat 96.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 15.2g
Cholesterol 66.8mg	0%
Sodium 3538.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 190.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 43.7g	0%
Total Sugars 89.4g
Protein 28.1g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 978.9mg	0%
Iron 14.2mg	0%
Potassium 2979.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.8%

Protein: 6.5%

Carbs: 43.8%