Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Sweet Potato Salad with Goat Cheese

This festive and vibrant salad is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall and winter, packed with roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, all glistening with a cranberry glaze. The combination of the caramelized vegetables with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the creamy goat cheese creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that’s irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal, a family dinner, or as a side dish to accompany your main course, this dish will quickly become a favorite.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make this Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Sweet Potato Salad with Cranberries and Goat Cheese. It’s easy to prepare, looks stunning on the table, and tastes even better!

1. Why This Salad Works

What makes this salad stand out? It’s a winning combination of:

Roasted Vegetables: Roasting the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and creates a beautiful caramelized crust.

Cranberry Glaze: The cranberry glaze ties everything together, adding a burst of tartness and sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy flavors of the vegetables.

Cranberries & Goat Cheese: The pop of sweetness from the dried cranberries, paired with the creamy, tangy goat cheese, elevates the dish to another level.

Nutritious & Flavorful: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this salad not only tastes great but also provides a healthy, hearty side dish.

It’s a perfect dish for the holiday season or any occasion that calls for a flavorful and eye-catching salad!

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious salad:

1 small butternut squash: Peeled, seeded, and cubed into bite-sized pieces.

1 pound Brussels sprouts: Trimmed and halved.

2 medium sweet potatoes: Peeled and cubed.

½ cup fresh or dried cranberries: For a burst of sweetness and tartness.

2 tablespoons olive oil: For roasting the vegetables.

Salt and pepper: To taste.

1 tablespoon maple syrup: To help glaze the vegetables and add a touch of sweetness.

1/3 cup goat cheese: Crumbled for that creamy, tangy finish.

Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: For an extra layer of flavor (especially if you like a bit of acidity).

3. How to Make Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Sweet Potato Salad

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, arrange the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables to ensure they’re evenly coated.

Roast the vegetables for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and tender. Make sure to flip the vegetables halfway through for even roasting.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Glaze

While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the cranberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries and maple syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to soften and burst. If you’re using fresh cranberries, this should take about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using dried cranberries, just let them soften in the syrup.

Once the cranberries are softened, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside. The glaze will thicken as it cools.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Once the roasted vegetables are ready, transfer them to a large serving dish. Drizzle the cranberry glaze over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to break up the veggies as you toss.

Step 4: Add the Goat Cheese and Cranberries

Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and dried cranberries over the top of the salad. The goat cheese will melt slightly from the warmth of the vegetables, creating a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet, roasted flavors.

For an optional finishing touch, drizzle with balsamic vinegar for added depth of flavor. This step is especially great if you enjoy a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness of the glaze.

4. Tips for Success

Even Roasting: Make sure to spread the vegetables evenly on the baking sheet for optimal roasting. If you overcrowd them, they’ll steam rather than roast.

Customize the Glaze: You can customize the cranberry glaze by adding a bit of orange zest or juice for an extra citrusy kick or a dash of cinnamon for some warmth.

Serving Suggestions: This salad can be served warm or at room temperature. If you’re prepping it ahead of time, just wait to add the goat cheese and cranberries until right before serving to keep them fresh.

Make It a Meal: For a more substantial dish, add some protein such as roasted chicken, turkey, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.

5. Why This Salad Is Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just a weeknight meal, this salad is sure to impress. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering where you want to serve a dish that’s both flavorful and colorful.

The combination of roasted vegetables, cranberries, and goat cheese creates a balance of textures that make each bite delightful. The sweetness from the roasted squash and sweet potatoes is beautifully complemented by the tart cranberry glaze, while the creamy goat cheese adds richness and depth. Plus, it’s a vegetarian-friendly option that will please a variety of dietary needs.

6. Final Thoughts

This Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Sweet Potato Salad with Cranberries and Goat Cheese is the ultimate side dish that brings together all the best flavors of the season. It’s easy to prepare, full of vibrant ingredients, and guaranteed to become a new favorite at your table.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing for the holidays, or just craving something healthy and hearty, this salad is the perfect choice. Its beautiful presentation, delicious taste, and nutritious ingredients make it an ideal addition to any meal.

Try it today, and watch as your guests rave about this flavorful, festive dish!

Conclusion

This cranberry-glazed roasted vegetable salad is packed with flavor, nutrition, and beautiful seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply enjoying a fresh side dish, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave everyone asking for the recipe! Try it out, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite.