December 8 2012

Nicole’s Winter Salad {Recipe}

Hosting family and friends around the holidays and need an easy dish for the table? Of course you do. Sharing good food is a big part of celebrating the season. Nicole Merusi, MoPa Contributor and Be Yogi, shared one of her favorite seasonal recipes with us. It’s easy to prepare and perfect to share with family and friends.

{original recipe post: MoPa’s Holiday 2012}

WINTER SALAD: Roasted Squash, Spinach and Goat Cheese

You’ll need:

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 medium red onions, cut into thin wedges
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons honey
1 small loaf (8 ounces) ciabatta, torn into bite-size pieces
5 cups baby spinach leaves
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ cup crumbled goat cheese, for garnish

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Place squash and onions in a large roasting pan, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until onions are soft. Drizzle with honey. Scatter with torn ciabatta; return to oven for about 5 minutes or until toasted.
2. Place spinach in a large bowl and top with roasted vegetables and ciabatta.
3. Whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, and mustard; season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss.
4. Top with cheese, if desired. Serve immediately