Roasted Butternut Squash Harvest Salad
Roasted Butternut Squash Harvest Salad is bursting with fresh fall flavors and perfect for your autumn, holiday table or any night of the week.
A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe.
Say hello to my latest fall salad obsession.
This one is bursting with all the flavors of the season, and is just about perfect for any holiday table, or as a side to anything and everything.
Roasting butternut squash turns it sweet and caramelized, and adds a boost of color and nutrition to a bed of verdint, spicy arugula.
Thow in a handful of red onions to the roasting pan for extra color and flavor, too!
But what really takes this salad over the top is a generous sprinkle of sweet and cinnamony roasted pumpkin seeds.
They’re easy to make, as they roast right alongside the squash, and really elevate the whole salad experience.
I’ve made this salad gluten-free, and dairy-free, but feel free to add a sprinkle of goat cheese or feta if that’s your thing.
As a side note, all parts of this salad can be made ahead and assembled the day of. See notes at the end of the recipe for how-to.
I hope you’ll make this one soon. If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!
Now, let’s make some Roasted Butternut Squash Harvest Salad!
Recipe & Kid Friendly Adaptations
1 | Skip the homemade pumpkin seeds and look for a good store-bought pre-roasted option as well.
2 | All parts of this salad can be made ahead and assembled the day of. See notes at the end of the recipe for how-to.
3 | Swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes.
This Recipe Is
gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, mayo-free, nut-free, grain-free, soy-free, paleo, and whole30
Tools to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Harvest Salad
My Favorite Cutting Board
Pin the Image Below To Save Roasted Butternut Squash Harvest Salad to Pinterest for Later!

Roasted Butternut Squash Harvest Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped butternut squash
- 1 medium red onion, sliced into half-moons
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ⅓ cup raw, unsalted pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup, omit for whole30
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 medium crisp, sweet apple, thinly sliced
- 6 cups baby arugula
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 small garlic clove, minced or finely grated
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400F.
- Place the butternut squash, onion, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing to combine.
- Roast for 20 minutes, flip, and continue roasting until golden, about 10-15 minutes more.
- Meanwhile, mix the pepitas, maple syrup, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Add to a parchment or foil lined pie plate or small, heat proof baking dish.
- Roast the pumpkin seeds for 10-15 minutes, stirring once, until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and allow to cool on a parchment lined plate (if you leave them in the pan they may stick and be difficult to remove once cool).
- Make the dressing by whisking the lemon juice, salt, garlic, and olive oil in a small bowl until well combined.
- Assemble the salad by placing the arugula in a large bowl. Add the roasted squash, onions, and apples. Pour over half the dressing and toss to combine. Add additional dressing to taste (store any leftover dressing in the fridge for another use.
- Top with roasted pumpkin seeds, and serve.
Made this for dinner tonight. It was so yummy and filling. Thanks for sharing!
Dollie, yay, so glad you enjoyed this one! Thanks so much for leaving a review. 🙂