Warming Butternut Squash Salad

I have been very into winter squashes this winter! Honestly I could eat them at every meal, but this Warming Butternut Squash Salad has been one of my fave ways to enjoy squash lately. Meal prep it for your lunches all week, or whip it up as a dinner side or entree. It will only take you 30 minutes and it’s SO good!

Ingredients
Serves 2
For the salad

• 2 c arugula 
• 1 butternut squash
• 1/4 pomegranate 
• 1/4 c goat cheese
• Optional: chopped walnuts 
• 1-2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the dijon mustard dressing

• 1/3 c extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbs dijon mustard
• 2 tbs white wine vinegar 
• 1 tsp maple syrup 
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. While the oven preheats, wash, peel, and chop the butternut squash into cubes.
3. Toss the squash in extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper and lay out flat on a baking sheet. Cook for 15 – 20 min in the oven, or until soft enough to easily poke a fork through. 
4. While the squash is cooking, quarter the pomegranate and place it in a bowl to soak. This will make it easier to release the seeds from the rind. 
5. Wash and dry the arugula and place in a large salad bowl.
6. Next, combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until combined in a creamy consistency. You’ll definitely have extra dressing if you’re only serving two! 
7. Remove the butternut squash from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. 
8. While the squash is cooling, remove the pomegranate seeds from the rind.
9. Toss the squash, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, and optional chopped walnuts in the salad bowl. Use your desired amount of each topping.
10. Drizzle dressing on top and and toss all ingredients well.
11. Serve and enjoy! Pro tip – if you’re meal prepping this salad, I like to store the squash in individual glass containers for easy re-heating. It’s yummiest with warm squash, but if you don’t have access to a microwave it can be eaten cold. 

I have been loving winter squashes lately, and I have made this salad a ton for working lunches lately! Try this out, or add in your favorite ingredients. Let me know what you think in the comments below or on Instagram @haven_quinlan!