Roasted Butternut Squash & Burrata Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a salad that feels both cozy and sophisticated, the Roasted Butternut Squash & Burrata Salad is the perfect dish to elevate your meal. Imagine tender, caramelized butternut squash cubes roasted to golden perfection, paired with creamy, dreamy burrata cheese that practically melts in your mouth. The mix of crunchy toasted nuts and sweet dried cranberries adds delightful texture and bursts of flavor, all brought together with a glossy drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh thyme. This salad is a celebration of fall’s best flavors, balancing sweetness, creaminess, and savory notes in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Roasted Butternut Squash & Burrata Salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether that’s adding creaminess, a spicy kick, or a vibrant pop of color to the bowl.

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed: The star of the dish; roasting brings out its natural sweetness.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps caramelize the squash while adding richness.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasonings that bring all flavors together perfectly.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smokiness that deepens the flavor.
• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale): The fresh, leafy base adding peppery and earthy notes.
• 1 ball burrata cheese: Creamy and luscious, it’s the indulgent highlight of the salad.
• ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts: Crunchy texture with a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft cheese.
• ¼ cup dried cranberries: Sweet and tart bursts that brighten every bite.
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze: A sticky, sweet vinegar reduction that ties all the ingredients together.
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish: Adds a herbal brightness and a lovely aroma.

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash & Burrata Salad

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Butternut Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss the cubed butternut squash in olive oil, salt, pepper, and if you like, smoked paprika for a slight smoky twist. Spread the cubes out in a single layer—that’s key for even roasting and caramelization. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the squash is tender and beautifully golden.

Step 2: Assemble the Greens and Roasted Squash

While the squash is roasting, prepare your greens by giving them a gentle toss in a large salad bowl. Once the squash is cool enough to handle, add it along with toasted nuts and dried cranberries. Each ingredient brings a different texture and taste that makes this salad sing with every forkful.

Step 3: Add Burrata and Finish with Balsamic

Tear the burrata into generous pieces and scatter them over the salad. The creamy cheese adds a luxurious creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the roasted squash’s slight caramel notes. Drizzle the balsamic glaze all over, ensuring every bite has a bit of that tangy sweetness. Finally, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant touch that makes this salad feel special.

How to Serve Roasted Butternut Squash & Burrata Salad

Garnishes

For an extra touch of flair, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few shaved Parmesan curls. A few more toasted nuts sprinkled on top right before serving add noticeable crunch. If you love herbs, a few small sprigs of thyme or even rosemary can intensify the fresh note in the salad.

Side Dishes

This salad is quite satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a loaf of crusty bread. Its balance of creamy and sweet flavors complements savory mains perfectly, making it a flexible side dish for any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, plate the salad on a wide, shallow platter rather than a bowl. Arrange the roasted squash and greens first, then add burrata pieces strategically so they become little “islands” of creaminess. Drizzle balsamic glaze artistically for visual appeal. This makes an impressive centerpiece for dinner parties or holiday meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the roasted butternut squash and salad components separate from the burrata and balsamic glaze to maintain freshness. Store the roasted squash and greens in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Burrata is best eaten fresh but can be kept chilled and added just before serving.

Freezing

This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because the texture of greens and burrata won’t hold up well. However, you can freeze extra roasted butternut squash cubes by spreading them on a tray first, freezing until solid, then transferring to a zip-top bag for later use in soups or casseroles.

Reheating

When reheating leftover roasted squash, do it gently at 300°F (150°C) in the oven or briefly in a skillet to bring back its caramelized magic. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact. Add burrata fresh each time to enjoy that luscious creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of squash?

Absolutely! While butternut squash is ideal for its sweetness and texture, delicata or kabocha squash also work wonderfully roasted and paired with burrata.

Is there a good substitute for burrata?

If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be good alternatives, though you’ll miss some of the luxurious creaminess that makes this salad so special.

Can I make this salad vegan?

To make it vegan, omit the burrata and substitute with marinated tofu or a creamy cashew-based cheese. The roasted squash and nuts will still create a satisfying dish.

How can I add more protein to this salad?

Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds can boost the protein content without overpowering the salad’s delicate flavors.

What’s the best way to toast the nuts?

Toasting nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned, brings out their nutty flavor perfectly without any added oil.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Roasted Butternut Squash & Burrata Salad enough—it’s the kind of dish that feels comforting yet elegant, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night. With its vibrant colors, luscious textures, and layers of flavor, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab that butternut squash and burrata, and get ready to create a salad that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.