Best Roasted Butternut Squash Spinach And Leek Salad With Maple Sypup Dressing Recipes

BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH MAPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, toss squash with 2 tablespoons oil, salt and pepper; divide between 2 ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Roast 35-45 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally and switching position of pans halfway through baking., In a skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add ginger, garlic and, if desired, pepper flakes; cook and stir 1 minute. Add leeks; cook and stir 3-4 minutes longer or until tender. Stir in maple syrup; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 2-3 minutes or until syrup is slightly reduced., Place squash in a large bowl. Add red peppers and leek mixture; toss to combine.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SALAD

Steps:

• ROAST THE SQUASH: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Peel and chop the butternut squash into small bite-sized (1-inch) pieces. Place on a parchment paper-lined large sheet pan and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper. (to taste; I add about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.) Toss the squash and spread in an even layer on the tray. Bake for 15 minutes; remove from oven and toss. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes longer or until fork-tender. Set aside and allow to cool for a bit before adding to the salad.
• DRESSING: Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. Add all of the dressing ingredients into a small blender jar. Season with salt and pepper to taste (I use about 1/2 teaspoon each.) Blend until smooth and emulsified. Transfer to a Mason jar and refrigerate until ready to eat. (Dressing is best cold!)
• SALAD ASSEMBLY: Add the spinach to a large bowl. Top with coarsely chopped candied pecans, dried cranberries, and feta or goat cheese. Add cooled (to room temperature) squash to salad. Drizzle dressing over the salad. (You may not use it all, depending on personal preference; store any leftover in the fridge for up to 1 week.) Toss the salad and enjoy immediately.
• STORAGE: This salad doesn't sit well with the dressing, so only dress what will be enjoyed the same day. Store any leftover salad and dressing separately. Pecans and cheese should also be stored separately.

MAPLE ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash with oil, maple, salt and fresh ground pepper. Place in a baking dish, cover with foil and roast in the center of the oven for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil, turn the squash and bake an addition 15 minutes, or until fork tender (time will vary depending on the size you cut the squash).
• Makes 3 cups.