🥗✨ Roasted Beet & Butternut Squash Salad with Feta & Walnuts

✨ Description

A vibrant, nutrient-rich salad featuring roasted beets and butternut squash, tossed with fresh greens, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts. Finished with a light vinaigrette, this dish is sweet, earthy, tangy, and perfectly balanced.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the roasted vegetables:

• 2 medium beets (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 2 cups butternut squash (cubed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

For the salad:

• 3 cups arugula or mixed greens
• ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• ¼ cup walnuts (toasted)

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

🔥 Instructions

1. Roast the vegetables

• Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F).
• Toss beets and squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Spread on a baking tray.
• Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  👉 Stir halfway for even roasting.

2. Toast the walnuts

• Place walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat.
• Toast for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Set aside.

3. Prepare the dressing

• In a bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

4. Assemble the salad

• Place greens in a large bowl.
• Add roasted vegetables (slightly cooled).
• Sprinkle feta and walnuts on top.

5. Dress and serve

• Drizzle dressing over the salad.
• Toss gently or serve layered for presentation.

💡 Pro Tips

• Roast vegetables until slightly caramelized for deeper flavor.
• Let vegetables cool slightly before mixing to avoid wilting greens.
• Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture.
• Add seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) for extra crunch.

🔢 Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 300–400 kcal
• Protein: 8–12 g
• Fat: 18–25 g
• Carbohydrates: 25–30 g

⏰ Best time to serve

• Lunch
• Light dinner
• Healthy meal prep

⚡ Energy-Saving Tip

Roast a larger batch of vegetables and store leftovers for future meals.

👥 Who will enjoy this dish

• Health-conscious eaters
• Fans of roasted vegetables
• Anyone looking for a balanced, flavorful salad