As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's no better way to celebrate the season than with a vibrant Autumn Glow Salad with Lemon Dressing. This delightful dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine roasted butternut squash, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts all nestled on a bed of fresh mixed greens, drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing that brings everything together. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a stunning side dish for your fall gatherings, this salad is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut butternut squash into 1/2-inch uniform cubes. Toss cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Spread butternut squash cubes evenly on prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are golden and squash is tender.
- While squash roasts, toast chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a large salad bowl, spread mixed greens as the base.
- Once butternut squash has cooled slightly, arrange roasted cubes over greens.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle prepared lemon dressing just before serving, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, autumnal flavors of the salad.
Tips
- Choose the Right Greens: For the best flavor and texture, opt for a mix of leafy greens like spinach, arugula, and kale. This will add depth to your salad.
- Perfectly Roast Your Squash: Make sure to cut the butternut squash into uniform cubes for even cooking. The roasting process brings out its natural sweetness, so don’t skip this step!
- Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Keep an eye on them while toasting to avoid burning.
- Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to tweak the lemon dressing to your taste. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice, or for a creamier texture, mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best served immediately after tossing with the dressing to keep the greens crisp and fresh. If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate until serving.
- Add More Color: Consider adding other seasonal ingredients like pomegranate seeds or sliced apples for an extra burst of flavor and color.With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating a stunning Autumn Glow Salad that will be the star of your table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
