This delicious autumnal salad combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the tartness of fresh apples. The addition of hearty wheat berries gives a delightful, chewy texture, while the maple-cinnamon pecans provide the perfect crunch. The salad is topped off with a zesty ginger dressing that brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Most ingredients are common and easily available. However, wheat berries might be a new term for you. Wheat berries are whole wheat kernels. They look like thick, short grains—similar to brown rice. You can find them in the organic or health food section of most supermarkets or at a local health food store. You can substitute them with farro, spelt, or barley.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad Ingredients
Hard white wheat berries: These are the whole grain form of wheat before it undergoes processing. They have a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
Granny smith apple: A tart and crisp apple variety that contrasts well with the sweetness of the squash.
Butternut squash: A sweet and nutty winter squash that is high in vitamins A and C.
Olive oil: Used for roasting the squash and making the dressing.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the salad.
Baby arugula: A salad green with a peppery taste.
Dried cranberries: Adds a sweet and tart flavor to the salad.
Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture. These will be coated in a cinnamon-maple glaze.
Maple syrup: Used to sweeten the pecans and the dressing.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth to the pecans.
Lemon juice: Adds acidity to the dressing.
Fresh ginger: Adds a spicy, slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a tangy kick.
One reader, Eden Ly says:
This roasted butternut squash and apple salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The cinnamon-maple pecans add a delightful crunch, and the ginger dressing ties everything together perfectly. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's become a staple in my kitchen. Highly recommended!
Mastering the Techniques for Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad
How to roast butternut squash and apple: Roast the butternut squash and apple slices in the oven until tender and caramelized, then set aside to cool.
How to cook wheat berries: Simmer the rinsed wheat berries in water until pleasantly tender but still have some chew to them, then drain off excess water and set aside to cool.
How to make cinnamon-maple pecans: Toast the pecans in a skillet until fragrant, then add maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt, and cook until the syrup has condensed and mostly evaporated, before transferring to a plate to cool.
How to make ginger dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, fresh ginger, maple syrup, mustard, and salt until thoroughly blended, then season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.
How to assemble the salad: Combine the arugula, cooled wheat berries, apple slices, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and cinnamon-maple pecans in a large serving bowl, then drizzle with the ginger dressing and toss to lightly coat before serving.
How To Make Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad
Serve yourself a hearty plate of apple salad for lunch today! It’s paired with tastefully roasted butternut squash, crunchy pecans, and ginger dressing.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Salad:
- 1cuphard white wheat berries,rinsed, or your whole grain of choice
- 1Granny Smith apple,cored and sliced into ½-inch wide wedges
- 2small butternut squash
- 1tbspolive oil
- ¼tspsalt,plus more for sprinkling
- 5ozbaby arugula,about 5 cups, packed
- ⅓cupdried cranberries
- 3½cupswater,for boiling
For Cinnamon-Maple Pecans:
- ½cuppecans,or roughly chopped whole pecans
- 2tspmaple syrup
- 1pinchground cinnamon
- 1pinchsalt
For Ginger Dressing:
- ¼cupolive oil
- 2tbsplemon juice
- 1tspfresh ginger,finely grated
- 1tspmaple syrup
- ½tspdijon mustard
- ¼tspsalt
- black pepper,freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
Salad:
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Combine the rinsed wheat berries with the water in a medium pot.
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Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then cover, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the wheat berries are pleasantly tender but still have some chew to them.
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Drain off excess water, return the wheat berries to the pot and stir in the salt. Set aside to cool.
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
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Line one small and one large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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On the small sheet, arrange the apple wedges in a single layer.
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Bake the apple slices on the middle rack for 10 minutes, until they are starting to collapse on themselves.
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Let the apple slices cool on the pan before removing.
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Slice off the top and bottom ends of the squash, then slice it in half vertically.
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Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them.
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Slice the squash into ½-inch wide half-moon shapes.
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Transfer the squash to the large baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss until the squash is lightly coated in oil and sprinkle with salt.
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Arrange the squash in a single layer and roast for 30 minutes, tossing halfway, until the squash is tender and caramelized on the edges. Set aside to cool.
Cinnamon-Maple Pecans:
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In a medium skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans until they are fragrant, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes.
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Add the maple syrup and a generous pinch of cinnamon and salt and cook, while stirring constantly, until the syrup has condensed and mostly evaporated, for 2 more minutes.
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Transfer to a plate to cool.
Ginger Dressing:
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In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, ginger, maple syrup, mustard and salt.
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Whisk until thoroughly blended and season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.
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In a large serving bowl, add the arugula, cooled wheat berries and apple slices.
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Add the butternut, dried cranberries and pecans, then drizzle with dressing.
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Toss to lightly coat, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 500.21kcal
- Fat: 27.05g
- Saturated Fat: 3.31g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.51g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.99g
- Carbohydrates: 64.97g
- Fiber: 11.03g
- Sugar: 14.45g
- Protein: 8.12g
- Sodium: 360.80mg
- Calcium: 169.16mg
- Potassium: 921.49mg
- Iron: 3.55mg
- Vitamin A: 840.97µg
- Vitamin C: 39.95mg
Elevate Your Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad with This Technique Tip
When roasting the butternut squash, ensure that the pieces are evenly coated with olive oil and spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows for even cooking and caramelization, which enhances the flavor of the squash. If the pieces are too close together, they may steam instead of roast, resulting in a softer texture and less intense flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Delightful Salad
Prep ahead: You can cook the wheat berries, roast the squash, and prepare the pecans a day in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the salad.
Efficient multitasking: While the wheat berries are simmering, you can prepare the apple slices and roast the butternut squash to save time in the kitchen.
Streamline the process: Use pre-cut butternut squash to cut down on prep time, or consider using a food processor to quickly chop the squash into uniform pieces.
Quick dressing: Make the ginger dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld, saving time when you're ready to assemble the salad.
One pan: Consider roasting the apple slices and butternut squash on the same baking sheet to minimize cleanup and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad Recipe
hard white wheat berries - Substitute with farro: Farro has a similar chewy texture and nutty flavor, making it a great substitute for wheat berries in this salad recipe.
granny smith apple - Substitute with honeycrisp apple: Honeycrisp apples have a sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture, which can be a delicious alternative to granny smith apples in the salad.
butternut squash - Substitute with acorn squash: Acorn squash has a slightly nutty and sweet flavor, and when roasted, it can be a great substitute for butternut squash in the salad.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in both roasting and dressing.
baby arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture, which can work well as a substitute for baby arugula in the salad.
dried cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries have a similar tartness and sweetness to cranberries, making them a suitable substitute in the salad.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a good substitute for pecans in the cinnamon-maple pecans.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor as maple syrup in the cinnamon-maple pecans.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can offer a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice in the ginger dressing.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger in the dressing, providing a similar warm and spicy flavor.
Elevate Your Plate: Presenting Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad
Elevate the plating: When presenting the roasted butternut squash and apple salad, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Use colorful and seasonal ingredients to add vibrancy and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate height and layers: Build the salad with a focus on creating height and layers. Arrange the wheat berries, butternut squash, and apple slices in a way that adds dimension to the dish. This will create a visually striking presentation that showcases the different components of the salad.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors and textures of the salad to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate and allow the natural beauty of the ingredients to shine through.
Garnish with precision: Add a final touch of elegance by garnishing the salad with precision. Sprinkle the cinnamon-maple pecans strategically to add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness to each bite.
Emphasize the dressing: Drizzle the ginger dressing over the salad with a steady hand, ensuring that it cascades gracefully over the ingredients. Pay attention to the distribution of the dressing to enhance the overall flavor and presentation of the dish.
Use high-quality serving ware: Select serving plates and utensils that complement the colors and textures of the salad. Opt for elegant and sophisticated serving ware to elevate the dining experience for the esteemed culinary professionals.
Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
- Medium pot: Used for cooking the wheat berries.
- Baking sheet: Used for roasting the apple slices and butternut squash.
- Parchment paper: Lined on the baking sheets to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Spoon: Used for scooping out the seeds from the butternut squash.
- Skillet: Used for toasting the pecans for the cinnamon-maple pecans.
- Small bowl: Used for mixing the ginger dressing.
- Whisk: Used for blending the ingredients of the ginger dressing.
- Large serving bowl: Used for assembling and tossing the salad.
Preserving Perfection: Storing and Freezing Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
- To store the roasted butternut squash and apple salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to store the components separately, keep the roasted butternut squash, apple slices, and wheat berries in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Store the cinnamon-maple pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Keep the ginger dressing in a separate jar or container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- When ready to serve, toss the salad components together and drizzle with the dressing.
- To freeze the roasted butternut squash, place the cooled squash pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen squash to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To freeze the wheat berries, let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- The apple slices, pecans, and dressing do not freeze well, so it's best to prepare these components fresh when you're ready to serve the salad.
- To thaw the frozen butternut squash and wheat berries, place them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat the squash in the oven or microwave if desired, and use the thawed wheat berries as directed in the recipe.
How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad
- The best way to reheat leftover roasted butternut squash and apple salad is to separate the components and reheat them individually. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of each ingredient.
- Start by removing the arugula and setting it aside, as it doesn't need to be reheated and will wilt if exposed to heat.
- Place the roasted butternut squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- In a separate pan, reheat the wheat berries over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. If they seem dry, add a splash of water or olive oil to help revive them.
- For the cinnamon-maple pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and warm.
- The apple slices can be left at room temperature or slightly warmed in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, depending on your preference.
- Once all the components are warmed, reassemble the salad by placing the arugula in a large bowl and topping it with the warm wheat berries, roasted butternut squash, apple slices, dried cranberries, and cinnamon-maple pecans.
- Drizzle the salad with the ginger dressing and toss gently to combine. If the dressing has thickened in the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or whisk in a small amount of warm water to loosen it up.
- Serve the reheated roasted butternut squash and apple salad immediately, enjoying the combination of warm and cool ingredients, as well as the mix of textures and flavors.
Surprising Facts About Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad
The roasted butternut squash and apple salad recipe is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Butternut squash is rich in vitamin A and potassium, while apples provide a good dose of vitamin C and dietary fiber. This salad is a delicious and nutritious way to incorporate seasonal produce into your diet.
Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This Salad Recipe Economical?
This roasted butternut squash and apple salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as butternut squash and apples, are generally affordable and readily available. The addition of wheat berries and pecans may slightly increase the cost, but they provide great nutritional value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Overall, this recipe offers a healthy and flavorful option at a reasonable price. Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Healthy?
The roasted butternut squash and apple salad recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish that offers a variety of healthy ingredients. Here's why:
- Whole grains: The recipe uses hard white wheat berries, which are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. These nutrients help keep you feeling full and satisfied while providing sustained energy throughout the day.
- Vegetables and fruits: Butternut squash and apples are the star ingredients in this salad. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, while apples provide additional fiber and antioxidants. The combination of these nutrient-dense foods makes this salad a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Healthy fats: The recipe includes olive oil and pecans, which are sources of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are essential for heart health, brain function, and nutrient absorption.
- Low in unhealthy ingredients: The salad is free from processed sugars, unhealthy fats, and excessive sodium, making it a wholesome choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this already healthy salad, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding baby spinach, kale, or red bell peppers for extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Replace dried cranberries with fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to reduce the sugar content and increase the fiber intake
- Experiment with different types of whole grains, such as quinoa or farro, to provide a variety of nutrients and textures
- Add a source of lean protein, like grilled chicken or tofu, to make the salad a complete meal and support muscle health
Editor's Take: Why Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad Is a Must-Try
The combination of hearty wheat berries, sweet butternut squash, tart apples, and peppery arugula creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures in this roasted butternut squash and apple salad. The addition of cinnamon-maple pecans and ginger dressing adds a warm and aromatic touch, elevating the dish to a new level of culinary excellence. The recipe's thoughtful use of seasonal ingredients and the well-balanced dressing make it a standout choice for a satisfying and flavorful autumn salad.
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Why trust this Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of butternut squash, apple, and wheat berries, providing a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The use of granny smith apple adds a refreshing tartness, while the dried cranberries contribute a touch of sweetness. The cinnamon-maple pecans bring a warm and nutty crunch, enhancing the overall dining experience. Additionally, the ginger dressing infuses a zesty and aromatic element, tying the dish together. With its wholesome and vibrant ingredients, this recipe promises a satisfying and nourishing meal.
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