Roasted Butternut Salad with Barley and Candied Bacon

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400˚F. Line 3 sheet pans with foil.

Step 2

For candied bacon, place bacon strips on one of the prepared sheet pans. Sprinkle evenly with half of the brown sugar. Place in oven for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and flip bacon strips to opposite side. Sprinkle with the remaining half of the brown sugar. Return to oven and bake for another 8-12 minutes, or until deep golden brown (amount of time will depend on your oven and the thickness of the bacon). Watch bacon carefully during the last 5 minutes as it can easily go from golden to burned. Remove bacon to a sheet of foil or parchment paper and allow to cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, slice bacon, width-wise, into ¼" slices. Set aside.

Step 3

Place diced butternut squash on the second sheet pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place in oven for about 15 minutes or until tender, but not mushy. Gently stir halfway through baking time. Remove from oven and set aside.

Step 4

Place walnuts on 3rd sheet pan. Drizzle with the 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Toss well and place in oven for about 8 minutes or until beginning to turn golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

Step 5

Arrange candied bacon, barley, Feta, spinach, butternut squash, pomegranate arils (seeds) and walnuts in attractive rows on salad plates or shallow bowls. Drizzle with dressing or allow guests to dress their own salads. You can also toss all salad ingredients in a large bowl and divide between 4 individual plates or allow guests to serve their own salads.

Step 6

For the vinaigrette, combine all ingredients in a medium size jar. Cover with lid and shake vigorously.