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Best Fall Harvest Salad with Apples, Pecans and Goat Cheese

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A warm and satisfying fall salad featuring roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, creamy goat cheese, and candied pecans, all tossed in a maple Dijon vinaigrette. The warm squash slightly wilts the arugula, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Butternut squash, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 5 ounces arugula (about 5 cups)
  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries
  • 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
  • ½ cup candied pecans
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prep the butternut squash: If using a whole squash, peel, seed, and cut into ½-inch cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and fork-tender. Set aside (keep warm).
  4. While squash roasts, make the dressing: In a small jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake vigorously until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Core and thinly slice the apple. Crumble goat cheese if needed. Measure cranberries and pecans.
  6. Assemble the salad: Place arugula in a large bowl. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently. Add warm roasted squash on top. Top with sliced apples, dried cranberries, candied pecans, and crumbled goat cheese.
  7. Drizzle with remaining dressing and toss gently, or serve dressing on the side. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t let the roasted squash cool completely before adding to the salad; the warmth slightly wilts the arugula and melts the goat cheese for a better texture. For best results, serve immediately. If meal prepping, store components separately and assemble just before eating.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall harvest salad, butternut squash salad, apple pecan salad, goat cheese salad, maple dijon vinaigrette, warm squash salad, autumn salad

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/best-fall-harvest-salad-with-apples-pecans-and-goat-cheese/