Enjoy a delicious and healthy winter root vegetable salad with a combination of roasted vegetables, fresh greens, and a tangy dressing. This colorful salad is packed with nutrients and flavors, making it the perfect side dish for any winter meal. It is easy to prepare and can be customized to your taste. Serve it as a light lunch or a side dish with roasted meat or poultry. This recipe takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups beets, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large roasting pan, combine the butternut squash, carrots, parsnips, and beets. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned. Remember to stir the vegetables halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting.
- While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Once the vegetables are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the roasted vegetables and mixed salad greens. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- Serve the winter root vegetable salad immediately and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Root vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, parsnips, and beets are nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural flavors and brings out a hint of sweetness.
The combination of the tangy dressing, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta cheese adds layers of flavor and texture to the salad.
This versatile salad can be made with other winter root vegetables of your choice, such as sweet potatoes or turnips.