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Crispy Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: Easy 5-Ingredient Feta Recipe

crispy roasted butternut squash salad - featured image

A simple yet sophisticated salad featuring caramelized, crispy roasted butternut squash tossed with mixed greens, tangy feta cheese, and a sharp balsamic vinaigrette. The secret to the perfect texture is a light coating of cornstarch before roasting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups mixed greens (arugula or spinach)
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, optional and toasted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the cubed butternut squash in a large bowl.
  3. Sprinkle cornstarch over the squash, then drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss with hands until every cube is lightly coated.
  4. Spread the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring pieces do not overlap.
  5. Roast for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender inside and browned/crispy on the edges.
  6. While squash roasts, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
  7. In a large serving bowl, toss mixed greens with half of the dressing.
  8. Arrange dressed greens on a platter or in bowls.
  9. Top with warm roasted squash and crumbled feta cheese.
  10. Drizzle with remaining dressing and garnish with pumpkin seeds if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the baking sheet, as this causes steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soggy squash. Pat the squash dry before tossing with cornstarch for best crispiness. For meal prep, store roasted squash and dressed greens separately to maintain texture. Reheat squash in an oven or air fryer to restore crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash salad, roasted squash, feta salad, healthy dinner, gluten-free, vegetarian, meal prep, crispy vegetables, balsamic vinaigrette