Honey-Roasted Butternut w/ Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Transform your fall salads with this vibrant Honey-Roasted Butternut dish, combining sweet roasted squash, tangy cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pumpkin seeds for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect as a side or a light meal, this salad celebrates the best of the season with nutritious ingredients that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
This recipe brings together the best flavors of fall in a single dish...
A Perfect Fall Dish
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like a warm, hearty salad to celebrate the flavors of fall. Honey-Roasted Butternut w/ Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it an excellent choice for those looking to embrace seasonal ingredients. The vibrant colors and rich textures not only make this dish visually appealing but also a powerhouse of nutrition that aligns perfectly with autumn festivities.
This dish is incredibly versatile; it serves beautifully as a side to your Thanksgiving turkey or can shine as the main attraction at a cozy dinner gathering. With its combination of sweet butternut squash, tart cranberries, and creamy feta, this salad is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Butternut squash is more than just a seasonal favorite; it’s rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for eye health and boosting immunity. Its natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the tartness of cranberries, creating a dynamic flavor profile. Cranberries are not only delicious but are also packed with antioxidants, making this salad a smart choice for maintaining a healthy diet as the colder months approach.
The addition of feta cheese elevates the dish with its creamy texture, offering a dose of protein and calcium. Topping it all off, pumpkin seeds provide a crunchy contrast along with healthy fats and minerals such as magnesium. Together, these ingredients create a salad that is not only festive but also nourishing, making every bite a celebration of both flavor and wellness.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients before you start:
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure everything is prepped before starting the cooking process.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious dish:
Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Spread it on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Mix in Other Ingredients
Once the squash is roasted, mix in the cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl.
Serve
Serve warm as a side dish or let it cool to room temperature for a salad. Enjoy!
Let the flavors meld for a little while before serving if possible.
Serving Suggestions
Honey-Roasted Butternut w/ Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled chicken or fish for a satisfying main course. For a vegetarian option, consider adding some quinoa or chickpeas for added protein. Serve this dish with a light vinaigrette on the side for those who prefer an extra touch of tanginess.
You can also try serving it on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing twist. The contrast between the warm, roasted ingredients and the fresh greens creates a delightful textural experience that can elevate any meal.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, this salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the components separate if possible to maintain the freshness of each ingredient. Simply reheat the butternut squash and toss it back together with the cranberries, feta, and pumpkin seeds when you're ready to enjoy it again.
For meal prep enthusiasts, consider roasting a larger batch of butternut squash to use in various dishes throughout the week. This versatile vegetable can be easily incorporated into soups, stews, or even breakfast bowls, making your meal prep both efficient and tasty.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of squash?
Yes, you can substitute with acorn squash or pumpkin if desired.
→ How long can I store the leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Honey-Roasted Butternut w/ Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds
Transform your fall salads with this vibrant Honey-Roasted Butternut dish, combining sweet roasted squash, tangy cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pumpkin seeds for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect as a side or a light meal, this salad celebrates the best of the season with nutritious ingredients that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: Serves 4
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Spread it on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Once the squash is roasted, mix in the cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl.
Serve warm as a side dish or let it cool to room temperature for a salad. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 20g