Introduction

As autumn ushers in an array of vibrant vegetables, few dishes highlight the season's bounty quite like a salad rich in flavor and texture. This Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad brings warmth to your table with its medley of roasted veggies and creamy burrata. It's a celebration of fall ingredients that complements any meal, or can stand proudly on its own.

The interplay of the earthy Brussels sprouts and sweet butternut squash, drizzled with a sticky maple glaze, creates a harmonious balance. Adding crunchy walnuts and crispy bacon introduces an irresistible contrast, while the creamy burrata and tangy feta elevate each bite to new heights. Leverage this seasonal dish to impress guests or simply indulge in a cozy night in.

Ingredients

1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
Brussels sprouts add a nutrient-rich component to this salad, bringing a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the squash and glaze.
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
Butternut squash offers a sweet, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the Brussels sprouts, making it a delicious fall staple in this dish.
1/4 cup maple syrup
Maple syrup not only acts as a natural sweetener but also creates a sticky glaze that enhances the roasted flavors of the vegetables.
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Crunchy walnuts add a delightful texture to the salad while contributing healthy fats and proteins that make the dish satisfying.
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Bacon infuses the salad with savory depth and a crispy bite, complementing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
8 ounces burrata cheese, torn into pieces
Burrata introduces a luxurious creaminess that beautifully ties the dish together and adds a rich, indulgent flavor.
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Feta brings a salty, tangy contrast that offsets the sweetness of the maple and squash, deepening the overall flavor profile.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Olive oil provides a smooth backdrop for roasting, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine.
Salt and pepper to taste
Basic seasoning enhances the natural flavors of each component and ensures a balanced taste throughout the salad.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Preheating the oven ensures that the Brussels sprouts and butternut squash roast evenly and develop a perfect caramelization. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable texture and flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels sprouts and butternut squash by cutting them into the specified sizes.

Halving the Brussels sprouts allows them to cook through quickly and absorb the maple glaze nicely, while the cubes of butternut squash promote even cooking, resulting in tender bites that enhance the overall dish.

Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts and butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Coating the vegetables with olive oil and seasoning helps them roast beautifully and brings out their individual flavors. The oil also helps with the caramelization process, creating a delicious glaze.

Step 4: Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring midway.

Roasting at a high temperature promotes the Maillard reaction, deepening the sweetness and flavor of the veggies. Stirring during cooking helps them brown evenly, preventing any burning.

Step 5: While the vegetables are roasting, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain and crumble it.

Cooking the bacon until it's perfectly crisp is essential for achieving that satisfying crunch in the salad. Draining the excess fat keeps the final dish lighter.

Step 6: Once the vegetables are tender, remove them from the oven and drizzle with maple syrup, stirring to coat well.

Adding maple syrup at this stage allows the natural sugars to caramelize on the hot vegetables, intensifying their flavors and creating a glistening finish.

Step 7: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a serving bowl and add the crumbled bacon, walnuts, burrata, and feta cheese.

Layering in the ingredients at this point helps maintain the texture of the salad. The warm veggies will melt a bit of the burrata, enhancing its creaminess across the dish.

Step 8: Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, being careful not to break the burrata too much.

Tossing just until combined helps maintain the integrity of the burrata, creating delicious pockets of creaminess amidst the textured vegetables and crunchy toppings.

Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving warm or at room temperature.

This step allows you to fine-tune the balance of flavors, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as possible. The salad can be enjoyed warm or allowed to come to room temperature for a more relaxed serving.

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata Bacon Walnuts and Feta step photo

The Role of Maple Syrup in Fall Dishes

Maple syrup is more than just a sweetener; it carries a depth of flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of autumn vegetables like Brussels sprouts and butternut squash. It creates a beautiful glaze when roasted, giving the dish a glossy finish and a rich aroma that delivers an instant comfort feeling. Incorporating maple syrup encourages creative iterations in seasonal salads, making them not only savory but irresistibly sweet.

Combining Textures for a Balanced Salad

In this salad, the interplay between crunchy walnuts, crispy bacon, and creamy cheeses creates an engaging texture profile. Each element contributes to a delightful eating experience, where the contrast of crunch from the walnuts and bacon meets the smoothness of the burrata and feta. This layering of textures isn't just pleasing to the palate; it makes each bite more satisfying, ensuring you enjoy the nuances in every forkful.

Customizing the Salad to Suit Your Taste

This Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad serves as a fantastic base that lends itself to customization. Want a hint of spice? Add red pepper flakes. For a tangier twist, consider a splash of balsamic vinegar. You could substitute different nuts or cheeses to fit your preferences. Such flexibility allows home cooks to make this dish their own while celebrating the vibrant flavors of fall.

FAQs

What if my vegetables are overcooked?

If the vegetables are overcooked, they may turn mushy. Try roasting at a slightly lower temperature and check for tenderness sooner to retain that firm texture.

Can I replace the bacon with another protein?

Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider adding chickpeas or sunflower seeds for a hearty replacement while preserving the crunch.

How do I prevent my maple glaze from getting too thick?

If the glaze seems too thick after roasting, you can adjust the consistency by adding a bit of warm water or additional maple syrup to create your desired texture.

What if I want to make this dish lighter?

To make it lighter, you can reduce the amount of cheese used or eliminate the bacon, perhaps substituting with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for flavor.

Is there a way to make this salad more filling?

To add heartiness, consider including quinoa or farro which can blend well with the flavors and provide additional protein.

Can this salad be served cold?

Yes, this salad can be served cold; however, it's recommended to serve it warm to fully enjoy the melty burrata and the rich flavors of the roasted veggies.

Conclusion

This Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad is more than just a seasonal dish; it's a journey through autumn's finest flavors. With its unique blend of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch, it captures the essence of fall in every bite.

Whether served as a centerpiece or a side, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy. Embrace the elegance of simple ingredients and celebrate the season with a dish that is both visually stunning and delicious.

Recipe Card