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Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Salad with Maple Bacon & Goat Cheese

A hearty and flavorful warm autumn salad featuring caramelized Brussels sprouts, sweet butternut squash, crispy maple bacon, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a maple balsamic dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine: American, Autumn, Comfort Food
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Vegetables
  • 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
  • 1 small butternut squash approx. 1.5 lbs, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Maple Bacon
  • 6-8 slices thick-cut bacon cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
For the Salad Assembly
  • 4 oz crumbled goat cheese
  • 0.5 cup pecans roughly chopped, lightly toasted (optional)
  • 2 cups mixed greens optional, for a lighter base
For the Maple Balsamic Dressing
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • pinch Salt
  • pinch Pepper

Equipment

  • Large baking sheets (2)
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Frying pan or skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On one large baking sheet, toss Brussels sprouts with 1.5 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. On a second baking sheet, toss butternut squash with remaining 1.5 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in single layers.
  3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender-crisp and caramelized. Toss halfway through. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. While vegetables roast, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain most grease, leaving 1 tbsp. Add 1 tbsp maple syrup, stir quickly for 30 seconds to coat bacon. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.
  5. If using, toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant; set aside.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
  7. In a large serving bowl, combine roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash. If using, add mixed greens.
  8. Add maple bacon, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pecans. Pour about half the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Add more dressing if desired.
  9. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not crowd the baking sheets for optimal caramelization. For a lighter salad, increase mixed greens. Taste and adjust dressing to your preference.