Harvest Salad with Butternut Squash

Step 1

For the butternut squash: Preheat oven to 375° F. On a roasting pan, toss squash with olive oil to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss again. Roast for 15 minutes. Stir. Roast for 15 minutes more and stir again. Roast an additional 10 minutes to fully soften and lightly caramelize the squash. Remove from oven and let cool. This can be prepared the day prior to serving. Just place cooled roasted squash in a container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2

For the maple pecans: In a nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat, toast the pecans for 3 to 5 minutes, or until warmed and fragrant. Drizzle maple syrup over pecans and stir to coat. Drizzle orange juice over pecans and stir to coat again. Spread pecans in an even layer in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Stir the pecans and cook for 2 minutes more.

Step 3

Remove pecans to a plate and immediately sprinkle with the sea salt. Separate the pecans and let cool completely. Leave pecans whole or chop them up a bit, if you like. These are best prepared the same day. If made the day prior, they will still be very good, but they won't have the same super crisp outer snap.

Step 4

For the curry fig vinaigrette: Whisk all ingredients until well combined. This can be prepared the day prior. Refrigerate in a covered jar or container until ready to use. Let come to room temperature before whisking to combine - it also works well to shake the vinaigrette vigorously in the covered jar!

Step 5

To assemble the salad: Place half the greens in a large salad bowl. Drizzle with some of the vinaigrette and then sprinkle on half the squash, half the cranberries, and half the goat cheese, followed by a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Add the rest of the greens, followed by the remaining squash, cranberries, and goat cheese. Drizzle with more of the vinaigrette. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. You could also serve the vinaigrette on the side, instead of drizzling it on the salad, for individual servings. This would also help to preserve any leftover salad.