Butternut Squash, Apple and Grape Salad

This is a sponsored post by Filippo Berio.  All opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting the brands that make this website possible.

We are so excited summer is near.  Our salad game has been strong and I am loving the combination of produce I am coming up with lately.  Because we have been cooking at home frequently, I made a promise to myself and my family to keep our meals fun.  This means, lots of creativity flowing in the kitchen when meal planning.  It’s quite a task when it comes to creating meals that are good for you, tasty and kid friendly.  Don’t get me wrong.  We have had those quick sandwich and quesadilla days but not many.  

What I’ve discovered during all this meal planning and preparation is that you have to have a good marinade or dressing to bring together all those fruit and vegetable flavors.  I recently created a bowl-full of fresh produce all brought together by Filippo Berio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Filippo Berio Classic Balsamic Glaze. 

Because we are staying more time at home, we are more conscious of food waste as well.  I am trying my hardest to take full advantage of all the ingredients I purchase and include them in as many dishes as I can.  With Filippo Berio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, I created a savory oregano dressing that can be used with any salad.  This time, I decided to mix it in my bowl of roasted butternut squash, grapes, green apple, and celery.  It was a heavenly combination. The olive oil’s aroma is fresh with notes of herbs and it’s perfect for creating flavorful salad dressings.

To save time, I’ve been purchasing chopped butternut squash.  All I have to do is toss it in Filippo Berio Classic Balsamic Glaze, salt and pepper and roast it in the oven.  The result is a perfect tasting butternut squash.  I’ve also topped my grilled strawberries and watermelon with it.  It has a distinct taniness and adds an artistic flair to any creation.  From meats to dessert.  Hint:  Try it on ice cream.  You’ll love it!

I hope you’re making the most out of meal time at home like we are.  Grab your fruits and veggies and let’s make this delicious salad I guarantee your family will love. 

Butternut Squash, Apple and Grape Salad

Print Recipe

A flavor-packed butternut squash, apple and grape salad with a dressing you will love.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: serves 6

Ingredients

For butternut squash

1 pound butternut squash, chopped

1 tablespoon Filippo Berio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

3 tablespoons Filippo Berio Classic Balsamic Glaze

For oregano dressing

¼ cup Filippo Berio red or white wine vinegar

2 tablespoons lime juice

6 Kalmata olives, pitted

4 sprigs fresh oregano, roughly chopped

2 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon honey

2/3 cup Filippo Berio Organic Extra Virgin Oilive Oil

½ teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

For salad
1 green apple, chopped

1 cup red grapes, halved

2 celery stalks, chopped

¼ cup pepita seeds, roasted

1/3 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped

 

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400° F.

Combine butternut squash, olive oil, salt, pepper and balsamic glaze in a large bowl.  Toss to mix well. Transfer to a baking sheet.  Roast for 35-40 minutes or until butternut squash is fork tender.  Remove from oven.  Transfer to a large bowl to cool completely.

While butternut squash cooks, prepare dressing: Place oregano dressing ingredients in a food processor or blender container.  Process until smooth.  Transfer to a jar with lid.
 

Add apple, grapes, celery, pepitas and parsley to bowl containing cooled butternut squash. Pour in half the dressing and gently fold all ingredients.  Store remaining dressing in refrigerator and save for later. Serve salad as a main dish or as a side dish to your favorite protein.

• Author: Ericka Sanchez
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes