This Thanksgiving salad is loaded with fall vegetables and fruit, bacon, and a tasty vinaigrette dressing. It's a delicious and pretty addition to your table!
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time50 minutesmins
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: autumn salad, fall salad recipe, Thanksgiving salad recipe
1smallbutternut squashpeeled and cut into 1" pieces
1tablespoonolive oilfor roasting the squash
Salt & pepper to taste
6stripsbaconcut into small pieces
2dozenBrussels sproutstrimmed then chopped finely (shredded)
1Honeycrisp or Granny Smith applechopped
1/2cuppomegranate arils
2tablespoonsred onionchopped
1/4cupsliced almonds
1/3cupfeta or goat cheese crumbles
Dressing:
1tablespoonbacon fatfrom frying the bacon
2tablespoonsolive oil
1tablespoonred wine vinegar
2teaspoonshoney
1teaspoonDijon mustard
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position. Line a baking sheet with foil. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds (I use a spoon). Peel the squash (I do this quickly using a sharp knife... I just cut the squash into a few pieces and then cut the skin off carefully). Cut the squash into pieces that are roughly equal-sized (aim for about 1"). Add the squash to a baking sheet and toss with about 1 tbsp olive oil and some salt & pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until it's softened and lightly browned. Flip halfway through for more even color (optional).
Meanwhile, cut the bacon up and add it to a skillet. Fry over medium-high heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate and leave the fat in the pan (you will use some in the dressing).
Add the dressing ingredients to a small bowl or a jar and whisk/shake then set it aside.
Prep the other ingredients and add them to a salad bowl. Once the squash has cooled a bit, you can add that in as well, along with the cooked bacon.
Add the dressing and toss. Season with salt & pepper, and taste and adjust if needed (e.g. add a little more olive oil or vinegar).
Notes
Serves 4-8 depending on how much people eat.
This salad is very flexible! Feel free to adjust ingredient quantities or sub depending on preferences/ingredient availability.