Roasted Butternut Pomegranate Salad (Printer-Friendly Version)

Colorful maple-roasted squash paired with tangy pomegranate and creamy goat cheese for a perfect winter bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Roasted Butternut Squash

01 - 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1 lb)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
04 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Salad Base

07 - 4 cups spring mix greens
08 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
09 - ½ cup pomegranate arils
10 - ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
11 - ¼ cup toasted hulled pumpkin seeds

→ Dressing

12 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
13 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
15 - 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
16 - ½ teaspoon salt
17 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Set oven temperature to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a bowl, toss cubed squash with olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Arrange squash cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without crowding. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized.
04 - In a large bowl or platter, combine spring mix and shredded cabbage. Evenly distribute pomegranate arils, toasted pumpkin seeds, and crumbled goat cheese on top.
05 - Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
06 - Allow roasted squash to cool slightly. Layer warm squash over the salad base, then drizzle with dressing or serve it on the side.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Ensure squash cubes are spaced to prevent steaming and achieve caramelization. Adjust dressing acidity or sweetness as preferred.
02 - The salad can be served warm or at room temperature for preferred texture.