Warm Winter Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Maple-Dijon Dressing

As the cooler months settle over Fredericksburg, it’s the perfect time to savor the rich flavors of roasted winter vegetables. This warm winter salad is hearty, colorful, and packed with seasonal goodness—an easy dish to enjoy on a chilly evening. All the ingredients can be found at the Fredericksburg Food Co-op, where we prioritize fresh, local produce.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or baby kale)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)

For the Maple-Dijon Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Roast the Vegetables:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the butternut squash, sweet potato, and Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

2. Prepare the Dressing:
While the vegetables are roasting, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted vegetables, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans or walnuts. Drizzle with the maple-Dijon dressing and toss gently to combine.

4. Add the Final Touches:
Top the salad with crumbled goat cheese for a creamy finish, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Why We Love It

This salad is as versatile as it is delicious. The roasted vegetables provide a hearty base, while the dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness and the pecans bring a satisfying crunch. The maple-Dijon dressing ties it all together with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet.

Head to the Fredericksburg Food Co-op for all the fresh, locally sourced ingredients you need to make this dish. It’s a wholesome way to embrace the season and support your community!