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Let me share my favorite winter salad that's become a staple at our family gatherings. This isn't your ordinary salad it's a beautiful mix of hearty grains roasted butternut squash and fresh greens all dressed in my honey mustard vinaigrette. Every time I make it people ask for the recipe.
Why You Need This Recipe
This salad has everything going for it sweet roasted squash nutty grains peppery greens and that amazing honey mustard dressing. I love how versatile it is you can prep most of it ahead and it's perfect for everything from casual lunches to fancy dinner parties.
What You'll Need
- Your Grains: I use quinoa black rice and farro.
- Butternut Squash: Half a squash diced.
- Fresh Arugula: 2 cups for peppery bite.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Those little jewels add such pop.
- Feta Cheese: Get the good stuff.
- Pine Nuts: Toast them yourself trust me.
- My Special Dressing: Honey mustard magic.
Let's Make It
- Start with Grains
- Cook each one separately they all need different times.
- Roast That Squash
- High heat olive oil salt and pepper until golden.
- Mix the Dressing
- Shake everything in a jar my easy method.
- Build Your Bowl
- Layer it all up dress it right before serving.
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Fresh Tips
Keep everything separate until serving time and always add the dressing last. Those greens stay crisp the grains don't get mushy and every bite is perfect. I learned this the hard way trust me.
Mix It Up
Don't feel tied down to my exact recipe. Sometimes I swap sweet potatoes for the squash or use goat cheese instead of feta. My vegetarian friends love adding chickpeas and my husband always wants grilled chicken on his. Make it your own.
Perfect Pairings
This salad goes with everything. We love it alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon. It's hearty enough to be a meal on its own but plays nice as a side dish too. The flavors just work with anything you serve.
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Meal Prep Magic
I love prepping this on Sunday for the week ahead. Cook all the grains roast the squash and make the dressing. Store everything separately then just toss together what you need. It makes weekday lunches feel special.
Party Perfect
When I'm hosting I arrange this salad on a big platter instead of tossing it in a bowl. The colors look stunning and people can dig into their favorite parts. It's always the prettiest dish on the buffet table.
Good For You Too
The best part about this salad is how nutritious it is. You get protein from the grains fiber from the squash and all those good vitamins from the greens. It's feel good food that actually tastes amazing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, perfect for meal prep. Just keep dressing separate and add when ready to eat to keep greens fresh.
- → Do I need all three grains?
- You can use just one or two types of grain if preferred. The mix adds nice texture but isn't essential.
- → What can I substitute for feta?
- Goat cheese works well, or skip cheese entirely for a vegan version. Add extra pine nuts for richness.
- → Where do I find black rice?
- Look in health food stores or specialty grocers. Brown or wild rice can substitute if needed.