Description
This vibrant Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Sweet Potato Salad combines the natural sweetness of roasted root vegetables with a tangy cranberry glaze, topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy toasted nuts. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a light main meal, it features a balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, ideal for fall and winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 cups sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
Glaze
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Toppings and Serving
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 cups mixed greens or arugula (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Prepare vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary until evenly coated.
- Roast the vegetables: Spread the vegetables evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 30–35 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Make the cranberry glaze: While the vegetables roast, mix the dried cranberries, honey, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl to create a flavorful glaze.
- Glaze the roasted vegetables: Once the vegetables are tender and roasted, remove them from the oven and toss gently with the cranberry glaze while still warm, so they absorb the sweet and tangy flavors.
- Assemble the salad: Transfer the glazed vegetables onto a serving bowl lined with mixed greens or arugula, if using, to add freshness and crunch.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts or pecans over the top for creaminess and additional texture.
- Serve: Serve the salad warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for a cozy meal or festive occasion.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit the goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Mixed greens add freshness but can be omitted if you prefer a pure roasted vegetable salad.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available for a brighter taste.
- The salad is excellent served warm but can be refrigerated and served cold as a leftover.
