Wellthy Tastings November - Feelings of Fall Salad

November is the perfect time to practice gratitude, get together with family, and enjoy some yummy food! Today, we’ll be making a delicious salad that is sure to give you all the feelings of fall! There’s a whole lot to be grateful for as this recipe is full of vitamins and minerals. It is packed with vitamin A and C, which can help support your immune system during the changing weather, and it makes for the perfect nutritious dish to bring along to your Thanksgiving festivities.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, cubed (around ¾ inch)
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder, if desired
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (can substitute raisins, golden raisins, etc.)
• 6 cups arugula or greens of choice
• ½ cup pecans, toasted
• ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese (optional)
• For our dressing:
  • ¾ cup apple juice
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp shallots, minced
  • 2 Tsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 Tsp salt, or to preference
  • ½ Tsp pepper, or to preference

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. In a medium mixing bowl, add cubed butternut squash and toss with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Once coated, pour squash pieces onto baking sheet, bake for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway throughout. Cook squash until crispy and tender to your liking. Let cool.
4. To make the dressing, place apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallots in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 6-8 minutes or until reduced to ¼ cup. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. Finish the dressing by whisking Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until blended.
6. Once everything has cooled, assemble the salad by placing greens in a large salad bowl. Pour the dressing over and give it a toss. Add the roasted squash and cranberries.
7. Top the salad with pecans and shaved parmesan, if using. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if desired.

We hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with full plates and even fuller hearts!