Maple Glazed Butternut Squash and Beet Salad

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash and Beet Salad

This recipe could be titled: My Swan Recipe as availabilty is limited for butternut squash. It's the perfect side for a savory meat dish.
Cook's notes:

Despite beets having a high sugar content they are a powerhouse of nutrients that may improve your health in the following ways.
Beets can
1. Lower Your Blood Pressure
2. Boost Your Stamina
3. Fight Inflammation
4. Anti-Cancer Properties
5. Rich in Valuable Nutrients and Fiber
6. Detoxification Support

The recipe serves 4-6.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 2 large red beets, peeled and chopped
• 3 tablespoons grapeseed or olive oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon or 1 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon 
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
• Zest of 1 orange
• Mixed fresh herbs e.g. parsley, mint, tarragon, chives
• Toasted walnuts or pistachios
• Mixed greens, baby arugula, and/or micro greens mixed in shown in photo
• Dried cranberries
• Optional goat cheese crumbles
• Light citrus dressing or dressing posted below 

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Peel and chop the butternut squash and the beets into ½” cubes.
• Place them in a mixing bowl and add oil, salt, cinnamon, maple syrup, and red onion chunks. Toss all the ingredients and make sure the veggies are all evenly coated.
• Lay the vegetables out on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
• Roast vegetables for 35 minutes stirring once halfway through roasting. Cranberries can be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking time.

• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with mixed herbs, orange zest, and additional salt if desired.
• In a serving bowl add in the roasted veggies, cranberries, and greens. Top salad with toasted walnuts or pistachios, goat cheese crumbles, drizzled with a Honey Balsamic Dressing  

Honey Balsamic Dressing Ingredients and Directions

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup canola oil
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons honey - or to taste
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove of garlic - minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste

Mix well in a blender and store in a screw-top jar in the refrigerator.

TREAT YOURSELF TO SOMETHING FUN TODAY