RECIPE: Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette

From Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics: Fabulous Flavor from Simple Ingredients by Ina Garten

Ingredients:

1 (1 1/2 lb) butternut squash, peeled and diced into 3/4-inch cubes

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1 tbsp pure maple syrup

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 tbsp dried cranberries

3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice

2 tbsp cider vinegar

2 tbsp minced shallots

2 tsp Dijon mustard

4 oz. baby arugula, washed and spun dry

1/2 cup walnuts halves, toasted

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Place the butternut squash on a sheet pan. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, the maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and toss. Roast the squash for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until tender. Add the cranberries to the pan for the last 5 minutes.

3. While the squash is roasting, combine the apple cider, vinegar, and shallots in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cider is reduced to about 1/4 cup. Off the heat, whisk in the mustard, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.

4. Place the arugula in a large salad bowl and add the roasted squash mixture, the walnuts, and the grated Parmesan. Spoon just enough vinaigrette over the salad to moisten and toss well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Submitted by Vicki Boyne