New Year Maple Salad (Printable Version)

Crisp greens with roasted squash, pecans, and a sweet maple dressing, perfect for a fresh seasonal dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 5 oz mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, romaine)
02 - 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
03 - 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
04 - 1/3 cup toasted pecans
05 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries
06 - 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
07 - 1 tbsp olive oil
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Maple Vinaigrette

09 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup
11 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
12 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
13 - 1/4 tsp sea salt
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized. Allow to cool slightly.
02 - Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
03 - In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, apple slices, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta if using.
04 - Drizzle the salad with the prepared maple vinaigrette just before serving. Toss gently to combine, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It feels like a secret handshake between sweet and savory that your taste buds will thank you for
  • The crunchy pecans add that unexpected texture that makes every bite exciting
02 -
  • Roasting the squash properly is key—don't overcrowd the pan or it will steam instead of caramelizing
  • The maple vinaigrette holds up better if you whisk it just before serving to keep flavors bright
03 -
  • Use a high-quality pure maple syrup for the vinaigrette—its flavor really stands out
  • Toast nuts in a dry pan just until fragrant to avoid bitterness and get that perfect crunch

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