Description
This Warm Butternut Squash Farro Salad is the ultimate cozy and nutritious dish for fall. Roasted butternut squash brings sweetness, farro adds a nutty chew, and a simple maple-lemon vinaigrette ties everything together. It’s perfect as a main course or a hearty side for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cubed butternut squash (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup farro (or quinoa for gluten-free)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh arugula or spinach
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and golden.
- Cook the Farro: While the squash roasts, cook farro in vegetable broth according to package instructions, about 25–30 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked farro, roasted butternut squash, red onion, cranberries, and nuts.
- Add the Greens: Gently fold in the arugula or spinach while the farro is still slightly warm so the greens wilt just a bit.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Top with crumbled feta before serving.
Notes
For best results, use slightly warm farro to help absorb the dressing. This salad can be made ahead—just store the dressing separately and toss before serving. For extra crunch, add roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg