Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of roasted butternut squash filled the air, ushering in the cozy essence of fall. This Ultimate Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing is a vibrant celebration of the season, marrying creamy goat cheese with crunchy pumpkin seeds and sweet dried cranberries. It’s a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly versatile—perfect for any gathering or an elegant side for your holiday meals. With its quick prep and delightful balance of flavors, this salad will soon become a cherished staple. Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a salad that sings of autumn? Why is this salad a fall favorite? Vibrant Flavors: Experience the delightful blend of roasted butternut squash, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and tangy goat cheese that truly captures the essence of autumn. This salad is a feast for the senses! Versatile Customizations: Easily swap ingredients to match your taste! Replace butternut squash with sweet potatoes or add seasonal fruits for an extra twist, offering endless possibilities for creativity. Quick and Easy: Prep time is minimal, allowing you to whip up this delicious salad in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests! Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Make your gatherings memorable with a dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, making it a staple for your Thanksgiving or Christmas table. Meal Prep Friendly: Plan ahead by roasting squash and toasting seeds in advance, while the dressing can be made and stored for days, ensuring fresh flavors when you’re ready. You’ll love this Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing alongside dishes like the Grinder Salad Flavor or the Street Corn Salad. Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing Ingredients For the Salad • Butternut Squash – Adds natural sweetness and warmth; can be substituted with sweet potatoes. • Bow-Tie Pasta – Adds heartiness to the salad; feel free to use any short pasta variety. • Baby Spinach – Offers freshness and nutrients; mixed greens can also work beautifully. • Pumpkin Seeds (toasted) – Provides delightful crunch; swap in sunflower seeds if desired. • Dried Cranberries – Contributes sweetness and a chewy texture; pomegranate seeds are a fun alternative. • Goat Cheese – Adds creaminess and tang; consider feta for a different flavor profile. For the Dressing • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A healthy base for the dressing, enhancing rich flavors. • Dijon Mustard – Brings a tang to the dressing; yellow mustard works in a pinch. • Maple Syrup – Sweetens the dressing and balances acidity; honey can be used for a different taste. • Lime Juice – Freshness that brightens up the dressing; substitute with lemon juice if you like. For Seasoning • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning the squash; adjust to taste for maximum flavor. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing Step 1: Roast Butternut Squash Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large sheet pan, toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the squash in a single layer and roast for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until the pieces are tender and slightly caramelized, turning golden brown and fragrant. Step 2: Make the Maple-Lime Dressing While the squash is roasting, prepare the dressing. In a mason jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until emulsified, achieving a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity according to your preference. Step 3: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the bow-tie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process, keeping it firm and fresh for your Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing. Step 4: Assemble the Salad In a large bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, cooked pasta, toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh baby spinach, crumbled goat cheese, and dried cranberries. Gently toss the ingredients together, making sure everything is well distributed. Drizzle the maple-lime dressing over the salad, tossing lightly to coat all components evenly. Step 5: Add Finishing Touches For an extra layer of flavor, consider topping the salad with fresh thyme leaves or additional seasoning to taste. This last step enhances the presentation and adds a lovely aromatic touch to your vibrant Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest experience or store the elements separately for later enjoyment. Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing Variations Get ready to explore creative twists and substitutions, allowing you to personalize this fall favorite to suit your taste and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Replace goat cheese with avocado or a nut-based cheese for a creamy texture without dairy. Gluten-Free: Swap bow-tie pasta for gluten-free pasta or quinoa, making it a perfect option for those with gluten sensitivities. Each bite remains delightful and hearty whether you choose pasta or quinoa. Extra Crunch: Incorporate crispy bacon or fried shallots for added crunch and flavor. The savory elements will complement the sweet notes beautifully, bringing new dimensions to your salad. Flavor Boost: Add a handful of arugula or kale for extra peppery notes and nutrients. Mixing greens can enhance both taste and texture, giving your salad an exciting twist. Sweetness Substitutes: Instead of dried cranberries, try dried figs or apricots for richer sweetness. These dried fruits can offer a delightful contrast to the tangy dressing, elevating every mouthful. Spice It Up: Introduce sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. This variation brings a lively kick that balances well with the sweetness of the maple-lime dressing. Seasonal Fruits: Toss in some diced apples or pear slices for a fresh fruity element. The crisp apple or juicy pear adds both sweetness and a satisfying crunch to your salad. Explore these delightful variations, and don’t forget to check out other delicious options like the Sunshine Salad Discover or the festive Caprese Pasta Salad for other family-loved recipes to keep you inspired! What to Serve with Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing This colorful salad not only shines on its own but also harmonizes beautifully with a variety of delicious dishes and treats. Roasted Chicken: Juicy, tender roasted chicken complements the salad’s vibrant flavors, making it a brilliant main for any gathering. Savory Quiche: A slice of warm quiche adds a comforting, rich element, creating a balanced plate that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Herb-Infused Rice: Fragrant rice infused with herbs mirrors the fresh flavors of the salad, offering a delightful contrast in textures. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky, charred veggies add an earthy depth to your meal, enhancing the sweet and savory notes of the salad. For a sweet finish, consider pairing with… Pumpkin Pie: Celebrate fall with a slice of velvety pumpkin pie. Its spiced sweetness rounds off a hearty meal with cozy vibes. Apple Cider: A crisp glass of apple cider perfectly accents the autumn-inspired flavors, refreshing the palate between bites. Let the flavors mingle, turning your Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing into an unforgettable feast! Make Ahead Options This Ultimate Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can roast the butternut squash and toast the pumpkin seeds up to 3 days in advance, allowing the flavors to develop while saving you time on busy days. These components should be stored separately in airtight containers to maintain their quality, especially to keep the spinach crisp and the squash fresh. You can also make the maple-lime dressing up to 7 days ahead; just give it a good shake before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply combine the prepped ingredients in a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, gently toss, and drizzle with dressing for a fresh and vibrant salad that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds! Expert Tips for Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baby spinach and seasonal butternut squash for the best flavor and texture. Avoid wilted greens to ensure a vibrant salad. Roasting Technique: When roasting butternut squash, ensure the pieces are evenly sized and not overcrowded on the sheet pan. This guarantees they cook uniformly and develop that beautiful caramelization. Perfect Pasta: Cook your bow-tie pasta just until al dente. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta that doesn’t hold up in the salad, so keep an eye on the clock! Adjusting the Dressing: Feel free to tweak the maple-lime dressing to your liking. For a sweeter touch, add a bit more maple syrup; for an extra tang, squeeze in an additional lime. Storage Tips: Keep salad components separate until ready to serve, especially if preparing ahead. This prevents the greens from wilting and keeps every bite fresh and crisp in your Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing. How to Store and Freeze Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing Fridge: Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the fresh spinach crisp and vibrant. Dressing: The maple-lime dressing can be made ahead and stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 7 days; just shake well before using. Assembled Salad: For the best taste and texture, enjoy the assembled salad immediately. If leftovers occur, consume within 1 day to prevent wilting. Freezer: While not recommended to freeze the entire salad due to the fresh ingredients, you can freeze roasted butternut squash and toasted pumpkin seeds for up to 2 months; thaw before using in future salads. Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing Recipe FAQs What’s the best way to select butternut squash? Absolutely! Look for butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a smooth, dull skin. Avoid any with blemishes or dark spots. The squash should feel firm and have a deep tan color, which indicates it’s ripe and ready to roast! How do I store the salad components? Very simple! Keep each ingredient in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The butternut squash and pumpkin seeds can stay fresh for up to 3 days, while the dressing can be stored for up to 7 days. This way, you can enjoy the freshness without compromising flavor! Can I freeze the salad or its components? While it’s not ideal to freeze the entire salad, you can absolutely freeze the roasted butternut squash and toasted pumpkin seeds! Just store them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw before you use them, and you’ll have delicious ingredients ready for your next salad! What should I do if my dressing separates? No worries! If your maple-lime dressing separates, simply give it a good shake in the mason jar again, or whisk it vigorously. If it seems too thick after sitting, add a splash of water or more lime juice to achieve your desired consistency. Are there any common allergens in the salad? Indeed! The main allergens in this salad include goat cheese (dairy) and gluten from the pasta. If you’re serving guests with allergies, consider using gluten-free pasta and leaving out the cheese or substituting it with a plant-based alternative. How can I customize this salad for different tastes? The more the merrier! Swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes or roasted beets for a twist on flavors. You can interchange goat cheese with feta, or add fruits like apples or pomegranate seeds for added sweetness. Getting creative will make this salad a favorite! Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing Your New Favorite Side Dish This Ultimate Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing celebrates roasted butternut squash, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and sweet cranberries, creating a vibrant autumn dish. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad1 medium Butternut Squash Can be substituted with sweet potatoes.2 cups Bow-Tie Pasta Feel free to use any short pasta variety.4 cups Baby Spinach Mixed greens can also work beautifully.1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds Toasted; swap in sunflower seeds if desired.1/2 cup Dried Cranberries Pomegranate seeds are a fun alternative.4 oz Goat Cheese Consider feta for a different flavor profile.For the Dressing1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil A healthy base for the dressing.1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard works in a pinch.2 tbsp Maple Syrup Honey can be used for a different taste.2 tbsp Lime Juice Substitute with lemon juice if you like.For Seasoning1 tsp Salt1 tsp Pepper Adjust to taste for maximum flavor. Equipment OvenLarge Sheet PanMason JarLarge potLarge bowl Method Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fall Salad with Maple-Lime DressingPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large sheet pan, toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the squash in a single layer and roast for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until the pieces are tender and slightly caramelized, turning golden brown and fragrant.While the squash is roasting, prepare the dressing. In a mason jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until emulsified, achieving a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity according to your preference.Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the bow-tie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process.In a large bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, cooked pasta, toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh baby spinach, crumbled goat cheese, and dried cranberries. Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring everything is well distributed. Drizzle the maple-lime dressing over the salad, tossing lightly to coat all components evenly.Consider topping the salad with fresh thyme leaves or additional seasoning to taste. Serve immediately for the freshest experience or store the elements separately for later enjoyment. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 290mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 3600IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg NotesUse fresh baby spinach and seasonal butternut squash for optimal flavor. Keep salad components separate until ready to serve for freshness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
