Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant and flavorful way to celebrate the cozy flavors of the season, this Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing is an absolute gem. It’s a delightful mix of tender roasted butternut squash, nutty toasted pumpkin seeds, tangy dried cranberries, and creamy goat cheese, all tied together with a zesty, sweet dressing that features the perfect balance of maple syrup and fresh lime juice. This salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of fall’s bounty on your plate, delivering layers of texture and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing plays an essential role, whether it’s adding texture, brightness, or that perfect touch of sweetness. These simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together effortlessly to create a spectacularly balanced dish.

• Butternut squash: Roasting brings out its sweet, mellow flavor and soft texture, forming the salad’s cozy base.
• Olive oil: Used for roasting and dressing, it adds a fruity richness that enhances every element.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, they elevate the natural flavors without overpowering them.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a lush, silky mouthfeel in the maple-lime dressing.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing for a smooth finish.
• Maple syrup: Contributes a natural, warm sweetness that beautifully contrasts the lime’s tang.
• Fresh lime juice: Brings brightness and a refreshing zing that wakes up the salad.
• Bow tie pasta: Adds heartiness and a fun, chewy texture to the dish.
• Pumpkin seeds: Toasted to perfection, they add crunch and a nutty depth.
• Baby spinach: Offers fresh, mild greens that balance the richer components gracefully.
• Goat cheese: Crumbled for creaminess and a tangy contrast to the sweet and savory elements.
• Dried cranberries: Provide bursts of tart-sweet flavor that pair wonderfully with the maple-lime dressing.

How to Make Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss the peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the cubes in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded, so they roast evenly. Pop them into the oven and roast for about 20 to 30 minutes until they are tender and caramelized. The roasting process unlocks the squash’s natural sweetness, lending a beautiful roast flavor that is essential in this Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Maple-Lime Dressing

While the squash is roasting, this is the perfect time to whip up that magic maple-lime dressing. Grab a mason jar or a small bowl and combine the extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Whisk vigorously with a fork or shake the jar until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust the lime juice if you want a little more zing. This dressing perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes, making it the star component of the Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing.

Step 3: Cook the Bow Tie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. This step ensures the pasta maintains a delightful bite and doesn’t blend into mush when tossed into the salad.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, cooled pasta, baby spinach, toasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled goat cheese, and dried cranberries. Pour in just enough maple-lime dressing to coat everything lightly, remembering that you can always add more later. Gently toss all the ingredients to marry the flavors and textures perfectly. This final assembly brings together all the components that make the Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing a showstopper.

How to Serve Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the salad just before serving. The herbaceous notes of thyme complement the warmth of the roasted squash and the sweetness of the dressing beautifully without overwhelming the other flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad stands well on its own as a hearty lunch or a light dinner. However, if you want to round out the meal, pair it with a crusty baguette, herbed chicken breast, or even a creamy soup like butternut squash bisque to keep everything in that cozy fall comfort zone.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the salad in individual glass jars or rustic wooden bowls to showcase the colorful layers. You could also add a sprinkle of extra toasted pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of the remaining maple-lime dressing at the table, so guests can customize their servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain a fresher texture in the greens and pasta. The components will stay fresh for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick lunch or side dish the next day.

Freezing

This Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing is not ideal for freezing, mainly because the fresh spinach and dressing lose their texture upon thawing. The roasted squash and pasta freeze better, but you’ll want to reassemble the salad fresh to enjoy the best flavors and textures.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the salad warm, gently reheat just the roasted butternut squash and pasta in a microwave or skillet before tossing with fresh spinach, dressing, and toppings. Avoid reheating the entire salad with the greens and dressing to keep everything refreshing and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this salad?

Absolutely! While bow tie pasta works wonderfully for its playful shape and texture, feel free to swap in penne, fusilli, or any small pasta shape you like. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

Is the maple-lime dressing suitable for vegans?

The dressing itself is vegan-friendly, but keep in mind that the recipe includes goat cheese, which is dairy-based. You can easily omit the cheese or substitute it with a vegan alternative to make the whole salad vegan.

Can I prepare the maple-lime dressing in advance?

Yes! The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using since natural separation will occur.

What’s the best way to toast pumpkin seeds?

Toasting pumpkin seeds is simple — spread them evenly on a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown and begin to pop. This enhances their nuttiness and adds a delightful crunch to your salad.

How can I make the salad gluten-free?

To make the salad gluten-free, swap the bow tie pasta for a gluten-free variety made from rice, corn, or legumes. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!

Final Thoughts

This Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing captures the essence of the season in every bite, making it a perfect dish to share with loved ones or enjoy as a nourishing treat for yourself. Its vibrant blend of textures and warm, tangy flavors will brighten up any table and leave you feeling cozy and satisfied. Give it a try — I promise it will become one of your favorite fall recipes to make again and again!

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