Autumn Harvest Butternut Salad

Savor the season with our delectable Butternut Squash Salad, a vibrant medley featuring perfectly roasted squash, crunchy candied pecans, creamy goat or tangy feta cheese, and sweet dried cranberries. Each bite is elevated by a homemade maple-Dijon vinaigrette, making it an irresistible choice for any holiday feast or seasonal gathering.

Butternut squash salad, freshly dressed.

Elevate Your Table with Our Irresistible Butternut Squash Salad

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like a dish that captures the essence of the season. Our Butternut Squash Salad does exactly that, transforming humble ingredients into a spectacular culinary experience. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of autumn and winter flavors, designed to impress with its vibrant colors, diverse textures, and unforgettable taste. Imagine the earthy sweetness of caramelized roasted butternut squash mingling with the buttery crunch of candied pecans, brightened by the tartness of dried cranberries and balanced by the creamy tang of goat or feta cheese. All these delightful components are brought together by a silky, homemade maple-Dijon vinaigrette that ties every flavor into a harmonious whole. Whether you’re planning a lavish holiday dinner or simply seeking a fresh, seasonal addition to your weeknight meals, this salad offers both elegance and simplicity. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that promises a gourmet experience without the fuss, becoming a cherished part of your seasonal repertoire.

Why This Butternut Squash Salad Will Become Your Go-To Seasonal Favorite

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this butternut squash salad, making it a standout recipe for any occasion. Its thoughtful combination of ingredients ensures a delightful eating experience that appeals to a wide range of palates. From its versatility to its seasonal charm, here’s why this salad deserves a permanent spot on your menu:

  • A Symphony of Diverse Flavors: Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a complex yet perfectly balanced flavor profile. The natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash provides a comforting base, beautifully contrasted by the salty notes of your chosen cheese. The candied pecans introduce a rich, nutty crunch, while the dried cranberries burst with tartness, cutting through the richness and adding a delightful chewiness. This interplay of sweet, salty, savory, and tangy ensures that every forkful is exciting and satisfying.
  • Exceptional Versatility for Any Occasion: This butternut squash salad is remarkably adaptable. It shines as an elegant side dish for festive holiday meals, complementing roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken. Yet, it’s hearty enough to stand alone as a light lunch or a vegetarian main course when paired with a simple protein. Its adaptability makes it perfect for both elaborate entertaining and casual family dinners, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your culinary plans.
  • Captivating Seasonal Appeal: Embodying the cozy spirit of fall and winter, this salad utilizes ingredients that are at their peak during these cooler months. Butternut squash is a quintessential autumn vegetable, and its warm, inviting flavors evoke comfort and festivity. Serving this salad is a wonderful way to celebrate the bounty of the season and bring autumnal charm to your table.
  • Surprising Convenience for Busy Lifestyles: Despite its gourmet appearance, this salad is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. For those short on time, opting for pre-cut butternut squash can significantly reduce prep time. The overall process is designed to be efficient, making it accessible even for busy home cooks who want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Effortlessly Make-Ahead Friendly: Planning ahead is a breeze with this recipe. Both the delicious maple-Dijon vinaigrette and the addictive candied pecans can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored separately. This forward-thinking approach allows the flavors to meld and deepen, while also saving you precious time on the day of serving, ensuring a stress-free assembly process.

Squash being chopped and coated in olive oil.

The Star Ingredient: Unveiling the Magic of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash, the undeniable star of this salad, is more than just a beautiful orange vegetable; it’s a nutritional powerhouse and a culinary chameleon. Its sweet, nutty flavor deepens and caramelizes beautifully when roasted, providing a comforting and rich foundation for the entire dish. Butternut squash is packed with essential nutrients, including an impressive amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These vitamins and minerals support immune health, promote healthy skin and vision, and aid in digestion, making this salad not only delicious but also incredibly wholesome.

Choosing the right butternut squash is key to achieving the best flavor and texture. Look for squash that is hard, heavy for its size, and has a smooth, unblemished skin with a uniform, deep tan or light orange color. Avoid any squash with green spots, as this indicates it’s not fully ripe, and green areas on the skin may lead to a less sweet and somewhat starchy flavor. A dull, matte finish on the skin is usually a good sign of ripeness, whereas a shiny skin can sometimes indicate it was picked too early. Once selected, properly preparing butternut squash involves careful peeling and deseeding. While a tough task for some, using a sharp vegetable peeler and a sturdy chef’s knife can make the process much safer and more efficient. For an even quicker start, many grocery stores now offer pre-cut butternut squash, saving valuable prep time.

Crafting the Perfect Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette: The Flavor Unifier

No salad is complete without a perfectly balanced dressing, and our homemade maple-Dijon vinaigrette is truly the secret weapon in this butternut squash salad. It’s a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy, designed to complement and enhance every other component without overpowering them. The richness of pure maple syrup provides a natural, earthy sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the roasted squash and candied pecans. This is contrasted by the sharp, piquant notes of Dijon mustard, which not only adds a lovely zing but also acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the dressing ingredients into a smooth, cohesive mixture. White balsamic vinegar contributes a delicate acidity that brightens the overall flavor profile, offering a milder tang compared to its darker counterpart, ensuring the dressing remains light and fresh. Mayonnaise lends a wonderful creaminess and body, allowing the vinaigrette to cling perfectly to the spinach leaves and squash cubes. A touch of whole milk and heavy cream further enhances this luxurious texture, creating a smooth dressing that feels indulgent without being heavy. Seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper, this vinaigrette is more than just a dressing; it’s the element that brings all the diverse textures and flavors of the salad into exquisite harmony.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vibrant Butternut Squash Salad

Each ingredient in this recipe has been carefully selected to contribute to the overall balance and deliciousness of the Butternut Squash Salad. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why it matters:

For the Irresistible Maple-Dijon Dressing:

  • Pure Maple Syrup: Essential for its authentic, deep, and nuanced sweetness, which artificial syrups simply cannot replicate. It’s a key player in the dressing’s signature fall flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Beyond its tangy kick, Dijon mustard is crucial for emulsifying the dressing, ensuring a smooth, well-blended consistency that coats the salad beautifully.
  • White Balsamic Vinegar: Chosen for its lighter color and milder, fruitier acidity compared to traditional dark balsamic vinegar, it adds brightness without staining the salad.
  • Mayonnaise: Provides a rich, creamy base that gives the dressing body and helps it adhere to the salad ingredients, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
  • Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: These dairy components contribute to the dressing’s luxurious, silky texture, making it wonderfully smooth and palatable.
  • Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance the sweetness and acidity of the dressing, enhancing all other flavors.

For the Vibrant Butternut Squash Salad:

  • Butternut Squash: The cornerstone of this dish, it roasts into tender, sweet, and slightly caramelized cubes, offering both substance and rich flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Used to coat the squash before roasting, it promotes browning and ensures a delicious, tender interior. A good quality olive oil can also add a subtle fruity note.
  • Baby Spinach: A perfect base for this salad, offering a delicate texture and mild flavor that doesn’t compete with the other bold ingredients. Its tender leaves are ideal for absorbing the dressing.
  • Candied Pecans: These provide an irresistible crunch and a delightful counterpoint of sweet and buttery flavors, adding a gourmet touch. They are easy to make at home or can be purchased.
  • Dried Cranberries: Offer a welcome burst of tartness and a chewy texture, adding a bright contrast to the sweetness of the squash and pecans, and a festive color.
  • Feta or Goat Cheese: Both options provide a creamy, crumbly texture and a tangy, salty flavor that beautifully cuts through the sweetness, adding complexity and richness to the salad.

Quick Tip: Get Creative with Candied Nuts!

While candied pecans are a quintessential ingredient for this butternut squash salad and add an undeniable charm, don’t hesitate to explore other options to personalize your dish. Candied almonds or candied walnuts can offer a fantastic twist, bringing slightly different flavor nuances and textures to the mix. Experimenting with various candied nuts allows you to customize the salad to your preference or what you have on hand. You’ll find our detailed recipe for homemade candied pecans later in this article; use the same technique to candy almonds or walnuts for a delightful change of pace.

Roasted butternut squash, fresh out of the oven.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make This Exquisite Butternut Squash Salad

Creating this delicious butternut squash salad is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow these instructions carefully to achieve a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish that will impress everyone at your table.

  1. Roast the Butternut Squash to Perfection: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving the desired caramelization and tender texture. Carefully peel your butternut squash, remove the seeds, and dice it into uniform 1-inch cubes. Consistency in size is crucial here, as it ensures all pieces cook evenly. Place the squash cubes on a large baking sheet, ideally lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Drizzle the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Toss everything together until the squash is well coated. Spread the seasoned squash in a single, even layer across the baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, use two baking sheets to avoid steaming, which would prevent caramelization. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and give the squash a gentle toss to ensure even cooking and browning. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and beautifully caramelized with slightly browned edges. Once roasted, set the squash aside and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Adding warm squash to the salad would wilt the delicate spinach leaves, compromising the salad’s texture.
  2. Prepare the Silky Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette: While the squash cools, prepare your vibrant dressing. In a small blender or food processor, combine all the dressing ingredients: 5 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon-style mustard, 2 tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1-1/2 tablespoons of whole milk, 1-1/2 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Blend these ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified. The result should be a creamy, uniform dressing with no separation, indicating that the flavors are perfectly melded. Transfer the finished dressing to a mason jar or any other airtight container and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble your salad. Chilling the dressing not only helps the flavors intensify but also ensures it’s refreshingly cool when poured over the salad.
  3. Assemble the Flavorful Salad Components: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the fresh 5 ounces of baby spinach, the 3/4 cup of coarsely chopped candied pecans, and the 3/4 cup of sweet dried cranberries. Next, add the 1/3 cup of crumbled feta or goat cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Finally, once the roasted butternut squash has reached room temperature, gently add it to the bowl with the other ingredients.
  4. Dress and Serve Immediately for Optimal Freshness: This is the final and most critical step for optimal enjoyment. Just before you are ready to serve, retrieve the chilled maple-Dijon vinaigrette and give it a quick whisk or shake if it has settled. Drizzle the dressing generously over the assembled salad ingredients in the large bowl. Using clean tongs or salad servers, gently toss everything together until all the components, especially the spinach and squash, are evenly coated with the luscious dressing. Serve your exquisite butternut squash salad immediately to savor the crispness of the spinach, the crunch of the pecans, and the perfect balance of all the vibrant flavors and textures. Enjoy!

Dressing in a Mason jar and it being poured over the salad.

Expert Tips for Butternut Squash Salad Success

Achieving the perfect butternut squash salad is all about paying attention to a few key details. These expert tips will help ensure your salad turns out flawlessly every time, maximizing flavor, texture, and convenience:

  • Prioritize Baby Spinach for Optimal Texture: For the most tender bite and pleasant eating experience, always opt for baby spinach. Its small, delicate leaves are perfect for salads and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. If you only have access to larger spinach leaves, a quick coarse chop before adding them to the bowl will make them much easier to manage and eat, ensuring a harmonious texture in every forkful.
  • Select the Perfect Ripe Butternut Squash: The quality of your squash directly impacts the salad’s flavor. Look for a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a hard, uniformly colored skin, typically a deep tan or light orange, without any green spots. Green patches indicate that the squash is unripe and will likely be starchy and less sweet when roasted. A dull, matte finish on the skin is usually a good indicator of ripeness.
  • Employ a Sharp Knife for Safety and Efficiency: Butternut squash can be notoriously firm and challenging to cut. Using a sharp, sturdy chef’s knife is absolutely essential. A sharp knife not only makes the task of peeling and dicing easier and more efficient but, crucially, also minimizes the risk of slips and accidents in the kitchen. Always use a stable cutting board and a careful, deliberate hand.
  • Insist on Pure Maple Syrup for Superior Flavor: The maple syrup is a star in the dressing, so its quality is paramount. Always choose pure maple syrup over artificially flavored syrups or pancake syrups. Pure maple syrup offers a complex, natural, and rich sweetness with distinct caramel and earthy notes that artificial versions simply cannot replicate. This investment in quality will profoundly elevate the flavor of your vinaigrette.
  • Maximize Flavor and Convenience with Advance Preparation: To streamline your cooking process and enhance the flavors, both the candied pecans and the maple-Dijon dressing can be prepared 1-2 days ahead of time. Store the cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch. Keep the dressing in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, allowing its flavors to meld and deepen over time. This advance preparation saves you valuable time on the day of assembly, making meal prep or entertaining much smoother and more enjoyable.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet When Roasting Squash: This is a common mistake that can hinder caramelization. When roasting your butternut squash, ensure there’s ample space between the cubes on the baking sheet. Overcrowding traps moisture, causing the squash to steam rather than roast and caramelize. This results in soft, pale squash instead of beautifully browned, flavorful pieces. If necessary, use two baking sheets to spread the squash in a single, even layer.
  • Always Taste and Adjust the Dressing: Before tossing the entire salad, take a moment to taste your maple-Dijon vinaigrette. Flavors can vary based on your ingredients, so adjust the sweetness (add more maple syrup), tanginess (more vinegar or mustard), salt, and pepper to perfectly suit your preference. A perfectly balanced dressing is the key to an outstanding salad.

Butternut Squash Salad dressed and ready to be eaten.

Butternut Squash Salad Storage Best Practices

To ensure your butternut squash salad maintains its exceptional quality and texture, proper storage is crucial, especially if you’re preparing components in advance or have leftovers:

  • Serve Immediately After Dressing for Peak Freshness: For the absolute best texture and vibrant flavors, this butternut squash salad is designed to be enjoyed soon after it has been dressed. The delicate baby spinach can quickly wilt when exposed to vinaigrette for too long, the roasted squash might become mushy, and the delightful crunch of the candied pecans can soften. Therefore, only dress the portion of the salad you intend to consume immediately.
  • Store Components Separately for Extended Longevity: If you plan to prepare this salad ahead of time for a future meal or have any leftovers, it is absolutely essential to store the individual components separately. Keep the cooled roasted butternut squash, fresh baby spinach, crunchy candied pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled cheese in their own distinct airtight containers. Refrigerate all perishable items. By doing so, you can preserve each ingredient’s optimal texture and flavor. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble and dress only the portion you desire just before serving. This method prevents sogginess and ensures every bite is as fresh as possible.
  • Dressing Storage: The prepared maple-Dijon vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Before each use, give the dressing a good shake or whisk, as natural separation of ingredients may occur while it sits.

Delicious Variations and Perfect Serving Suggestions

One of the beauties of this butternut squash salad is its incredible adaptability. While the recipe as written is absolutely fantastic, feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. It also pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Customizing Your Butternut Squash Salad:

  • Nutty Alternatives: While our candied pecans are truly exquisite, you can easily substitute them with other candied nuts like honey-roasted almonds or candied walnuts for a slightly different flavor and crunch. For a simpler, savory crunch, consider toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
  • Cheese Swaps: If feta or goat cheese isn’t your preferred choice, this salad is also delicious with crumbled blue cheese for a sharper, more pungent flavor, or shaved Parmesan for a salty, umami kick. For a dairy-free option, many plant-based crumbled cheese alternatives work beautifully.
  • Fruity Additions: Beyond dried cranberries, fresh fruit can add another layer of flavor and texture. Consider adding thinly sliced or chopped fresh apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) or pears for extra crispness and sweetness. Pomegranate arils also make a stunning and juicy addition, providing a burst of tartness and beautiful color.
  • Heartier Greens: While baby spinach offers a tender base, you can experiment with other greens. Arugula will introduce a peppery bite, mixed greens can add variety, or for a more robust salad, try thinly sliced kale. If using kale, gently massage it with a tiny bit of olive oil before adding to the salad to tenderize it.
  • Transform it into a Main Course: To make this side dish a more substantial meal, easily incorporate a protein. Grilled chicken breast, roasted turkey slices, pan-seared salmon, or even crispy bacon bits would be excellent additions. For a vegetarian main, consider adding roasted chickpeas, black beans, or a sprinkle of cooked quinoa or farro for extra protein and fiber.

Perfect Pairings:

This versatile butternut squash salad complements a wide array of main courses, making it an ideal companion for many different meals, especially during the cooler months:

  • Holiday Feasts: It’s a classic match for roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other special occasions.
  • Weeknight Dinners: Pair it with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled steak for a balanced and flavorful meal.
  • Vegetarian Mains: It serves as a fantastic side for hearty vegetarian entrees such as lentil loaf, mushroom Wellington, or a baked squash.
  • Comfort Food: The fresh, tangy notes of the salad provide a wonderful contrast to richer dishes like creamy pasta or hearty stews.

More Seasonal Salads to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed the vibrant flavors and comforting appeal of this butternut squash salad, you’re in for a treat! We have a curated collection of other delicious seasonal salads that promise to delight your taste buds and bring fresh, wholesome ingredients to your table. Explore these recipes for more inspiration:

  • Roasted Sweet Potato and Wild Rice Salad
  • Candied Pecan, Pear & Pomegranate Salad
  • Hearty Roasted Veggie Salad
  • Roasted Butternut Squash Couscous Bowls
  • Crisp Apple and Cherry Chicken Salad

Butternut Squash Salad Recipe

Butternut squash salad, freshly dressed.

By: Chelsea Lords

This easy Butternut Squash Salad is a delightful holiday side dish or seasonal meal. It features perfectly roasted butternut squash, crunchy candied pecans, creamy goat or tangy feta cheese, and sweet dried cranberries, all generously drizzled with a homemade maple-Dijon vinaigrette. A perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy, designed to impress.

Preparation Details:

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 6 servings

Equipment:

  • Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″), preferably lined with parchment paper
  • Blender or food processor
  • Large mixing bowl

Ingredients:

For the Maple-Dijon Dressing:

  • 5 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Butternut Squash Salad:

  • 1 medium butternut squash (approximately 2-3 lbs), peeled, deseeded, and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (1 tbsp for squash, 1/2 tbsp optional for massaged kale/other greens if using)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for squash)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for squash)
  • 5 ounces baby spinach (or other tender greens like mixed greens, arugula)
  • 3/4 cup candied pecans, coarsely chopped (see note below for homemade recipe)
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese

Instructions:

  1. Roast Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper, toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper until evenly coated. Spread the squash in a single, even layer, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded to promote caramelization. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, toss gently, then return to bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and beautifully caramelized with golden-brown edges. Allow the roasted squash to cool completely to room temperature before adding it to the salad.
  2. Prepare Maple-Dijon Dressing: While the squash cools, combine all dressing ingredients—pure maple syrup, Dijon-style mustard, white balsamic vinegar, mayonnaise, whole milk, heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper—in a small blender or food processor. Blend until the dressing is completely smooth and thoroughly emulsified. Transfer the prepared dressing to a mason jar or an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to assemble the salad.
  3. Assemble Salad Components: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach (or your chosen greens), the coarsely chopped candied pecans, the dried cranberries, and the crumbled feta or goat cheese. Add the cooled roasted butternut squash to the bowl with the other ingredients.
  4. Dress and Serve Immediately: Just before serving, drizzle the chilled maple-Dijon vinaigrette generously over the assembled salad. Gently toss all ingredients together using tongs or salad servers until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve your exquisite butternut squash salad immediately to enjoy the best texture and freshest flavors.

Recipe Notes:

Note on Homemade Candied Pecans: The following recipe yields a generous batch of candied pecans, which is typically more than you’ll need for a single serving of this salad. Any extra candied pecans can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for future use, gifting, or delightful snacking.

Homemade Candied Pecans Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pound pecan halves
  • 1/2 tablespoon water

Homemade Candied Pecans Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside; this will prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Stir these dry ingredients well to ensure they are thoroughly mixed.
  2. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the large egg white, vanilla extract, and 1/2 tablespoon of water until the mixture becomes light and frothy. Add the pecan halves to this frothy egg white mixture, tossing gently to ensure they are fully coated. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the wet pecans into the sugar mixture. Toss the pecans in the sugar mixture until each pecan half is thoroughly and evenly coated with the seasoned sugar. Spread the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch too much for even cooking.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45–60 minutes. It’s crucial to stir the pecans every 15 minutes during baking to ensure they brown evenly and achieve a consistent crunchy texture. The pecans are done when they are golden-brown and feel dry and crisp. Once baked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and allow the candied pecans to stand at room temperature for 30–45 minutes. This cooling period is vital for them to fully solidify and become perfectly crunchy. Once completely cooled, coarsely chop the desired amount of pecans for your butternut squash salad.

Storage for Salad Components: This Butternut Squash Salad is at its peak freshness and texture when dressed just before serving. To prevent the spinach from wilting, the squash from becoming mushy, and the pecans from softening, it is highly recommended to only dress the portion of the salad that will be enjoyed immediately. For any components prepared in advance or for storing leftovers, keep the roasted butternut squash (cooled), baby spinach, candied pecans, and cheese in separate, airtight containers in the refrigerator. The maple-Dijon vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; remember to shake or whisk well before each use. Assemble and dress individual servings as needed.

Nutrition Information (Approximate):

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 263mg | Potassium: 605mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 15613IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 161mg | Iron: 2mg

Please note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. The nutritional information provided above for the salad does not include the candied pecans recipe in the notes section, as that recipe yields more pecans than needed for this salad. For specific nutritional details of homemade candied pecans, please refer to their dedicated recipe.

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