Butternut Squash Beet Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings a burst of color and flavor to any meal. This delightful salad combines the flavour of roasted beets with the natural sweetness of butternut squash, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that are both visually stunning and delicious.
To create this wonderful dish, roast cubes of butternut squash and beets until they are tender and caramelized. Toss the roasted vegetables with a mix of fresh greens, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts for added crunch. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette to enhance the flavors and bring everything together.
Ideal for a light lunch, a festive side dish, or a stunning starter for a dinner party, this salad is easy to prepare just like Kale Butternut Squash Salad and Roasted Frozen Butternut Squash. Each bite is a delightful mix of sweet, earthy, tangy, and creamy flavors. Experience the freshness and beauty of Butternut Squash Beet Salad and elevate your salad repertoire with this exquisite recipe.
Overview: How To Make Butternut Squash Beet Salad?
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- A blend of Flavors: The Butternut Squash Beet Salad is a delightful medley of flavors that captivates the palate.
- Visual Appeal This salad is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors of roasted beets and butternut squash create a visually stunning dish that stands out on any table.
- Nutritional Values The Butternut Squash Beet Salad is packed with nutritional benefits and tastes wonderful with Roasted Butternut Squash Soup.
- Easy to Prepare One of the most lovable aspects of this salad is its versatility and ease of preparation. The ingredients are straightforward and can be easily found in most grocery stores
Butternut Squash Beet Salad
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Balsamic Dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 6 tbsp olive oil
Butternut Squash and Beetroot Salad
- 100 g feta cheese
- 180 g mixed salad leave
- 50 g walnut halves
- 500 g beetroot chopped into 1cm / ½inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 500 g butternut squash peeled and chopped into 1cm / ½inch cubes
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 220°C (200°C for fan ovens), gas mark 7, or 425°F.
- In a roasting tray, arrange the beetroot cubes on one side and the butternut squash cubes on the other.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables and season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Gently toss the beetroot and butternut squash in the oil, being careful not to mix them to avoid staining the squash.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes.
- After this time, take the tray out and give the vegetables a turn in the oil, again being cautious not to discolor the butternut squash.
- Return the tray to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until both the beetroot and butternut squash are tender and have a light golden color.
- While the vegetables are roasting, prepare a simple balsamic dressing.
- Combine all the dressing ingredients in a clean jar, seal it with a lid, and shake vigorously until well blended.
- On a separate tray, spread out the walnut halves and roast them in the oven alongside the vegetables for about 3 minutes.
- Remove the tray when done.
- Once the roasted vegetables are cooked to your preference, take them out of the oven to assemble your salad.
- Divide the salad greens among four plates, then add an equal amount of the roasted butternut squash and beetroot on top.
- Drizzle a spoonful of the balsamic dressing over each plate and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
- Finish by scattering the roasted walnuts on top.
- Serve the salad immediately as a main course, accompanied by pitas or flatbreads.
- Offer the remaining dressing on the side for guests to add more as desired.
Notes
- When roasting beets and butternut squash together, keep them separate on the tray to prevent the beets from staining the squash.
- Roast the walnuts separately from the vegetables to avoid burning them.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 526 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Vitamin A | 1395 IU |
| Vitamin C | 43 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Calcium | 227 mg |
Helpful Tips For You
- Roast to Perfection: Roasting butternut squash and beets bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their flavor. Ensure they are evenly coated with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper before roasting.
- Prepare in Advance: Preparing the salad components a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with Dressings: While a balsamic vinaigrette complements the salad nicely, don’t hesitate to try other dressings.
- Add Crunch and Texture: Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans not only provides a satisfying crunch but also introduces healthy fats.
What to Serve With Butternut Squash Beet Salad?
- Bruschetta With Mozzarella
- Kimchi Fried Rice
- Bacon Blue Cheese Burger
- Chicken and Mushroom Soup
- Thai Chicken Wrap
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Taste Of Butternut Squash Beet Salad?
Butternut Squash Beet Salad offers a delightful blend of flavors, with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash and beets complemented by the tanginess of feta cheese and the crunch of walnuts. The balsamic dressing adds a zesty and slightly sweet finish, enhancing the overall taste.
How Healthy Is Butternut Squash Beet Salad?
This salad is highly nutritious, and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the butternut squash and beets. The addition of walnuts and feta cheese provides healthy fats and protein, making it a balanced and wholesome meal.
What Is The Taste Of Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavor with a smooth, creamy texture when cooked. Its taste is often compared to sweet potatoes or pumpkin, making it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.
Are Pumpkin And Butternut Squash The Same?
Pumpkin and butternut squash are not the same, though they are both members of the gourd family. While they have similar flavors, butternut squash is sweeter and has a smoother texture compared to the more fibrous and less sweet pumpkin.
Is Butternut A Vegetable Or A Fruit?
Butternut squash is botanically classified as a fruit because it contains seeds and develops from the flower of the plant. However, it is commonly used as a vegetable in culinary contexts.