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Best Kid-Friendly Autumn Chopped Salad with Candied Pecans

Kid-Friendly Autumn Chopped Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy autumn salad with fresh spinach, diced butternut squash, apples, dried cranberries, and homemade candied pecans. Perfect for picky eaters and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 ounces (about 140 grams) fresh spinach
  • 2 cups (about 300 grams) butternut squash, peeled and diced small
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, diced
  • ½ cup (about 60 grams) dried cranberries
  • 1 cup (about 100 grams) raw pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the candied pecans: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely. Once bubbly, add 1 cup pecan halves, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until sugar melts and pecans are glossy and fragrant. Remove from heat and spread on parchment paper to cool.
  2. Prep the squash: Peel butternut squash with a vegetable peeler. Cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and dice into small cubes (about ¼-inch). Set aside.
  3. Dice the apples: Core 2 Honeycrisp apples and dice into similar-sized pieces as the squash. No need to peel.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine 5 ounces fresh spinach, diced squash, diced apples, and ½ cup dried cranberries. Toss gently.
  6. Add the dressing: Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss until lightly coated. Start with half the dressing and add more as needed.
  7. Top with pecans: Roughly chop cooled candied pecans and sprinkle over the top. Toss once more gently or leave on top for crunch.
  8. Serve immediately. Best fresh; if making ahead, keep dressing and pecans separate until serving.

Notes

Keep squash pieces small (pea-sized) for easier eating. For picky kids, steam squash for 2-3 minutes to soften. Dressing will separate; shake before using. Pecans burn quickly—watch closely. Store undressed salad, dressing, and pecans separately for leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: autumn salad, kid-friendly, chopped salad, candied pecans, butternut squash, spinach salad, quick dinner, healthy salad

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/best-kid-friendly-autumn-chopped-salad-with-candied-pecans/