Description
A vibrant and nutritious salad featuring roasted Brussels sprouts and maple-glazed butternut squash, complemented by crunchy pumpkin seeds and sweet dried cranberries. This delightful combination offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, making it an ideal side dish or a light meal for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and yellow leaves removed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Roasted Butternut Squash
- 1 ½ lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Other Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2-4 tbsp maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting both the Brussels sprouts and butternut squash.
- Roast the Brussels sprouts: Toss the trimmed Brussels sprouts with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and salt to taste. Arrange them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Roast the butternut squash: In a bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Spread them out on a separate baking sheet and roast alongside the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through for an even caramelized finish.
- Assemble the salad: Once both the Brussels sprouts and butternut squash are roasted and slightly cooled, place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries. If desired, drizzle an additional 2 to 4 tablespoons of maple syrup over the salad for extra sweetness. Toss gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated.
Notes
- Make sure to trim and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts for the best texture and flavor.
- Turning the vegetables halfway through roasting ensures they brown evenly and develop a nice crispy texture.
- The extra maple syrup drizzle is optional and can be adjusted according to your preferred sweetness level.
- This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled for different flavor experiences.
- For added texture, lightly toast the pumpkin seeds before adding them to the salad.
