Delicata Squash and Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette – Recipe!

Delicata Squash is Butternut’s lighter cousin with a thin skin that doesn’t need to be removed before eating, which makes it even easier to prepare for this delightful Delicata Squash and Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Delicata Squash is simple to slice up and roast in the oven and toss on top of salads with a handful or two of winter greens for a nice contrast of flavors.  A sprinkling of goat cheese on top adds another layer of creamy texture and taste, and an easy balsamic vinaigrette drizzle brings a sweet tang to the bowl.

This squash salad is not only seasonally pretty, but tastes hardy enough to satisby those winter cravings and to remind you we are far from those lighter summer salads.  You can eat this salad as a main course, or serve it with roast chicken, seared salmon or crispy tofu.

Ingredients

1 Delicata squash

4 cups baby spinach leaves

3 ounces goat cheese

Vinaigrette

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 shallot minced

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/3 cup olive oil + more for roasting

pinch of salt & pepper + more for roasting

(Serves 4)

 

To Prepare:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Slice squash in half and remove seeds.  Slice squash into 1/2 inch strips, across the grain.
2. Toss squash strips onto sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes.  Turn oven to broil and cook for 1-2 minutes, until squash is golden brown on top.
3. Add all vinaigrette ingredients into a jar with fitted lid and shake until combined.
4. In a large bowl, add spinach and toss squash top.  Dot with pieces of goat cheese and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.  Serve immediately.  Enjoy!