Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of autumn with this Harvest Salad with Lemon Thyme Dressing. This delightful dish features a medley of fresh mixed greens, sweet roasted butternut squash, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all drizzled with a zesty lemon thyme dressing. Perfect for seasonal gatherings or as a nutritious meal on its own, this salad brings a burst of color and taste to any table. Its simple preparation makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a quick yet satisfying dish that celebrates fall produce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- 1 small butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting squash)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for roasting squash)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans (chopped)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender. Let cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if desired), thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens with roasted butternut squash, cranberries, chopped pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg