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Spinach and Butternut Squash Salad with Gorgonzola

Spinach and Butternut Squash Salad with Gorgonzola

This Spinach and Butternut Squash Salad with Gorgonzola is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, featuring roasted butternut squash, creamy gorgonzola, and fresh baby spinach. It's an ideal dish for fall, bringing a healthy and flavorful option to your table. Enjoy it as a side or a light meal!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 lbs butternut squash peeled and diced 3/4-inch
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil for dressing
  • 1 1/2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey for dressing
  • 1/2 tbsp minced shallots
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • salt to taste
  • fresh black pepper to taste
  • 5 oz baby spinach washed and spun dry
  • 1/4 cup raw, hulled pumpkin seeds
  • 3 tbsp dried cherries
  • 1/4 cup reduced fat crumbled gorgonzola

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Peeler
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Place on a baking sheet and roast in the center of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway, or until tender.
  4. When done, remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
  5. Meanwhile, combine the white balsamic vinegar, minced shallots, remaining honey, Dijon mustard, and whisk in olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
  6. Divide the spinach on 4 plates and top each salad with the roasted butternut squash, pumpkin seeds, dried cherries, and the crumbled gorgonzola cheese.
  7. Drizzle the dressing over each salad and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Tip 2: It's not recommended to freeze this salad as the fresh ingredients will lose their texture.
  • Tip 3: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or as a side to a hearty soup.
  • Tip 4: Feel free to swap out the butternut squash for roasted sweet potatoes or add seasonal fruits.
  • Tip 5: Experiment with different vinegars for a unique twist on the dressing.