Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Apple Butter Vinaigrette

Thanksgiving is almost here and it's all about the pumpkin... pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin bars.... and of course, who could forget "pumpkin juice"?  But there is far more to winter squash than just pumpkin - and I am not just talking about table decorations! Yup, there is a whole world of delicious, nutritious winter squashes ... and lots of delicious ways to use them. So, when Melissa's Produce sent these beautiful squashes I knew exactly what I wanted to make first -  this Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Apple Butter Vinaigrette!

I know, I get it ... pumpkin is so... well, easy. You grab a can, can opener and viola, you've got ready to use pumpkin! But as my mom used to say "if it's worth having it's worth working for". But believe it or not, many of these winter squashes are much easier to prepare than you might think! Like Delicata squash... just wash, slice and bake or roast - takes no more time than slice and bake cookies. Honestly.   Which makes  Roasted Delicata Squash almost as easy to make  as opening a can of pumpkin! It's delicious on it's own a a side dish but since I'm a fan of mixing squash with other things,   I love it in this  Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Apple Butter Vinaigrette. I've been "noshing" on this for lunch the last few days - but  it would be delicious served alongside a simple roasted chicken or pork tenderloin.. and definitely alongside that Thanksgiving Turkey!

And speaking of Thanksgiving ....check out these  new, beautiful baskets from Melissa's Produce! I am a huge fan of these baskets - they make a terrific hostess gift. Going somewhere else for Thanksgiving? Well,  I can pretty much  guarantee that any host/hostess would be thrilled with one of these baskets... and with all the holidays coming up, these baskets are the ideal gift for anyone on your list who doesn't need or want more "stuff"!!   If you are looking for other ways to use Delicata squash, here  are some other great recipes from some of my favorite bloggers!

Roasted Squash Blossom Casserole from My Man's Belly

Autumn Apple, Quinoa and Butternut Squash Salad from She's Cookin

Stuffed Delicata Squash from Make Mine Lemon

📖Recipe

Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Apple Butter Vinaigrette

Fall on a plate! This simple squash and couscous salad combines all the flavors of fall. 

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 - 6 servings

Calories: 383kcal

Author: Nancy Buchanan

Ingredients

• Vinaigrette:
• 2 Tbsp. apple butter
• 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
• ¼ tsp. curry powder
• 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper
• Salad:
• 2 medium delicata squash
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 4 cups arugula
• ½ cup Trader Joe's Harvest Blend couscous OR Israeli couscous cooked and drained.
• ½ dried cherries
• ½ cup spicy or candied pecans

Instructions

• Directions for the Vinaigrette: Combine the apple butter, vinegar and curry powder and whisk to combine. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Pre heat the oven to 450 degrees. Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray. Cut the squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Flip the squash over (cut side down) and slice into ½ inch thick slices. Place slices on the sheet pan and brush with olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Roast squash in the oven for 8 - 10 minutes. Using a spatula, turn squash slices over and roast for another 7 - 8 minutes or until the squash is browned and tender. Remove pan from the oven and cool.
• In a large salad bowl, combine the couscous and the arugula. Pour the vinaigrette over and toss. Divide salad among 4 plates and garnish with the squash, cherries and pecans.

Nutrition

Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 902mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 3570IU | Vitamin C: 30.9mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 2.2mg

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