Description
This Roasted Carrot and Butternut Squash Salad offers a delightful blend of sweet roasted vegetables, fresh arugula, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad balances flavors and textures beautifully with a simple honey and olive oil dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small butternut squash (about 2 cups), peeled and cubed
Dressing and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salad Components
- 4 cups arugula, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Prepare the vegetables: Place the peeled carrots and cubed butternut squash into a large mixing bowl, preparing them for seasoning.
- Season the vegetables: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper to the vegetables and toss well until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Roast the vegetables: Spread the seasoned carrots and squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking. The vegetables should be tender and lightly caramelized.
- Prepare the arugula: While the vegetables roast, add the arugula to a large salad bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then toss gently to dress the greens.
- Assemble the salad: Once the roasted vegetables have cooled slightly, add them to the bowl with the arugula. Toss gently to combine the flavors.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pumpkin seeds over the top of the salad as a finishing touch.
Notes
- To toast pumpkin seeds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- For added crunch, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Roasting vegetables ahead of time can save preparation time; just rewarm slightly before assembling.
- If you prefer a sweeter salad, drizzle a little extra honey over the cheese before serving.
