Butternut Squash Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

This Butternut Squash Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette is the ultimate autumn salad for your cravings! This combines health with comfort food and the quick homemade maple balsamic dressing is not to be missed!

As the crisp air of autumn begins to roll in and the leaves start to change, there’s nothing quite like embracing the season with a wholesome and hearty Butternut Squash Fall Harvest Salad. This salad is a perfect combination of warm, roasted butternut squash, savory chicken, crispy turkey bacon, sweet Macintosh apples, and crunchy pecans—all topped with a delicious maple balsamic vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch, a side dish for a family dinner, or something to impress at a gathering, this recipe is your fall go-to.

The star of this dish is, of course, butternut squash, which is both nutritious and versatile. Roasting it with olive oil, cinnamon, sea salt, and black pepper brings out its natural sweetness and earthy flavors, making it the perfect seasonal base for this salad. Paired with the savory notes of turkey bacon and the richness of parmesan cheese, this salad strikes a beautiful balance of flavors.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through every step of preparing this incredible Butternut Squash Fall Harvest Salad, and we’ll also show you how to make the most delectable maple balsamic vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together.

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Fall Harvest Salad:

Before we dive into the steps, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create this autumn-inspired dish:

• Butternut Squash: Butternut squash is the foundation of this salad, bringing its natural sweetness and hearty texture to the dish. When roasted, the cubes develop a caramelized, slightly crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to coat the butternut squash before roasting, helping it to brown evenly while adding a slight richness to the dish. It’s a healthy fat that enhances the flavor and texture of roasted vegetables. A good-quality extra virgin olive oil will elevate the squash by adding a smooth, subtle fruity note.
• Cinnamon: a warming spice that adds depth and a cozy fall flavor to the roasted butternut squash. It accentuates the natural sweetness of the squash and gives the dish a distinctive seasonal aroma. 
• Bacon: Turkey bacon (or your preferred type) adds a crispy, savory element to the salad, providing a nice contrast to the soft textures of the roasted squash and apples. 
• Chicken: Chopped cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, adds a satisfying source of lean protein to the salad. 
• Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese brings a sharp, nutty, and salty flavor to the salad. 
• Macintosh apple: A thinly sliced Macintosh apple adds a juicy, tart sweetness that brightens the salad. 
• Raisins or dried cranberries: Raisins or dried cranberries add chewy texture and bursts of sweetness to the salad. 
• Pecans: Pecans contribute a crunchy, buttery richness to the salad, making every bite more interesting.
• Lettuce – use your go-to leafy greens that you want. Usually we do spring mix.

For the base of this salad, use your favorite lettuce blend. A spring mix is great for a variety of textures and flavors, while spinach or arugula can bring a peppery bite. The lettuce provides a light, crisp foundation for the heavier ingredients, balancing out the richness from the bacon, chicken, and cheese. Choose fresh, vibrant greens to add brightness to the dish.

FAQs on making this Harvest Salad:

1. Can I make the salad ahead of time? Yes! To make this salad ahead of time, you can prepare the individual components separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, combine the ingredients and drizzle with the maple balsamic vinaigrette. Store the roasted butternut squash, chicken, bacon, and vinaigrette separately to keep everything fresh.
2. Can I use a different type of squash? Absolutely! If you don’t have butternut squash, other winter squashes like acorn squash or delicata squash are great alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the roasting time depending on the size of your cubes.
3. What can I use as a substitute for turkey bacon? If you’re not a fan of turkey bacon or prefer a different option, feel free to use regular bacon, pancetta, or even omit the bacon altogether for a vegetarian-friendly version. You could also try adding crispy chickpeas for a similar crunchy, savory element.
4. Can I make the salad vegetarian or vegan? Yes! For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and bacon, and add a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. For a vegan version, skip the parmesan cheese and replace the mayonnaise in the vinaigrette with a vegan alternative or simply omit it.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Fall Harvest Salad:

This Butternut Squash Fall Harvest Salad is not only packed with seasonal flavors, but it’s also nutrient-dense and filling. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, which are important for immune support during the colder months. The addition of lean protein from chicken and healthy fats from olive oil and pecans makes this a well-rounded meal that satisfies both taste and nutrition.

Plus, the versatility of this salad allows you to customize it to your preferences. Don’t like bacon? Skip it! Want more crunch? Add extra pecans. The possibilities are endless.

As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures drop, there’s no better way to celebrate fall than with this hearty, flavorful Butternut Squash Fall Harvest Salad. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it at your next fall gathering, this salad is sure to be a hit!

A few other delicious salad recipes to try:

Shaved Broccolini, Brussels Sprout and Kale Salad

Buckwheat Salad with Creamy Goat Cheese Dressing

Kale and Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Kale + Brussels Sprout Slaw with Honey Mustard Dressing