This Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad features caramelized roasted vegetables, creamy burrata cheese, toasted walnuts, and a sweet-tangy maple balsamic glaze. Perfect as a warm fall salad or holiday side dish for Thanksgiving dinner.
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for vegetables) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (for dressing) 4 cups baby arugula or mixed spring greens 1 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped 8 ounces burrata cheese, torn into pieces 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup dried cranberries 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled (optional) 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves Flaky sea salt for finishing
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Trim Brussels sprouts by cutting off stem ends and removing damaged outer leaves, then slice in half lengthwise. Peel butternut squash, remove seeds, and dice into uniform 3/4-inch cubes. Place Brussels sprouts on one baking sheet and butternut squash on another. Drizzle each with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly and arrange in a single layer without overcrowding. Roast butternut squash for 25-30 minutes and Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through. Vegetables should have golden-brown caramelized edges and be tender when pierced with a fork. While vegetables roast, prepare the maple balsamic glaze by combining maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a mason jar. Shake vigorously, add olive oil, and shake again until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toast walnuts in the oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Roughly chop once cooled. If using bacon, cook until crispy in a skillet over medium heat. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled. On a large serving platter, create a bed of baby arugula. While vegetables are still warm, arrange them over the greens. Tear burrata into generous pieces and distribute across the salad. Sprinkle with feta cheese, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and bacon if using. Drizzle maple balsamic glaze generously over the entire salad. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and flaky sea salt. Serve immediately while vegetables are slightly warm.
Vegetables can be roasted up to 2 days ahead and stored separately in airtight containers. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes before assembling. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheets – vegetables need space to caramelize properly rather than steam. This salad tastes best when vegetables are still slightly warm, creating contrast with the cool, creamy cheese. For a vegan version, replace burrata and feta with cashew cream cheese or omit cheese entirely. The dressing can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. To make this more substantial, add grilled chicken, salmon, or cooked quinoa. Store leftover components separately for best results. Assembled salad should be eaten the same day.
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