Collect Enjoyment: Fall Slashed Salad with Spinach, Butternut Squash, Apples and Cheddar

Introduction

: Embrace the flavors of autumn with our Fall Chopped Salad, a delightful medley of fresh spinach, roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, sharp Cheddar,

 and toasted pecans. Perfect for Thanksgiving or as a wholesome weeknight dinner, this colorful dish celebrates the bounty of the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 small (1 1/2 pounds) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 4 cups)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 8 cups packed baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, diced
• ½ cup diced sharp Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup toasted chopped pecans

Preparation Time::

• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Additional Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins

Yield:

• Servings: 8
• Yield: 10 cups

Headings::

Roast the Squash: In a large bowl, toss the diced butternut squash and minced garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground

 pepper until evenly coated. Spread the squash mixture onto a large rimmed baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 20 minutes, or until tender

 and lightly caramelized, stirring once halfway through.

Prepare the Dressing: In the same large bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper until well combined.

Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped baby spinach, roasted butternut squash, diced apple, sharp Cheddar cheese, and toasted pecans to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Fall Slashed Salad to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with additional toasted pecans if desired. Serve immediately and relish in the vibrant flavors of autumn.

Nutrition Profile:

• Healthy & Immunity Boosting: Loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach, butternut squash, apples, and pecans, this salad is a nutritional powerhouse that supports overall health and boosts immunity. Spinach is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while butternut squash provides a hearty dose of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other essential nutrients vital for immune function. Apples add natural sweetness and fiber, contributing to a healthy gut microbiome and supporting immune health. Meanwhile, pecans offer healthy fats and antioxidants, further enhancing the salad's immunity-boosting properties.

Low Added Sugar: Our Fall Slashed Salad is consciously crafted to be low in added sugars, allowing you to enjoy the natural sweetness of fresh produce without the need for excessive sweeteners. By using maple syrup sparingly in the dressing and relying on the inherent sweetness of apples, we ensure that this salad remains a wholesome and nutritious choice for health-conscious individuals seeking to limit their sugar intake.

Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free: Designed to accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions, our salad is free from soy, eggs, and gluten. Whether you're following a soy-free, egg-free, or gluten-free diet due to allergies, intolerances, or personal preferences, you can indulge in this delicious salad with confidence, knowing that it aligns with your dietary needs without compromising on taste or quality.

High-Fiber: Packed with fiber-rich ingredients like spinach, butternut squash, apples, and pecans, our Fall Slashed Salad offers a satisfying crunch and promotes digestive health. Fiber helps regulate digestion, supports satiety, and contributes to overall well-being by promoting a healthy gut microbiome. By incorporating high-fiber foods into your diet, you can maintain optimal digestive function and feel fuller for longer, making this salad a nutritious and satisfying choice for any meal.

Vegetarian: As a vegetarian-friendly dish, our Fall Slashed Salad provides a delicious and nutritious option for individuals seeking plant-based meals. By emphasizing wholesome ingredients like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheese, this salad offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that appeal to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Whether you follow a vegetarian lifestyle or simply enjoy incorporating meatless meals into your diet, our salad is sure to please your palate and nourish your body.

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Conclusion:

 In conclusion, our Harvest Delight Fall Chopped Salad with Spinach, Butternut Squash, Apples & Cheddar is a celebration of autumn's rich flavors and vibrant colors. Crafted by Carolyn Casner and perfected by the EatingWell Test Kitchen, this salad showcases the versatility of salads beyond the traditional springtime fare.