I Tried Ina Garten’s “Most Delicious” Salad Recipe, and I’ve Already Made It Twice for Lunch This Week (Perfect for Winter!)

To start, preheat your oven to 400°. Peel and dice one 1 1/2 pound butternut squash into 3/4-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Spread squash into an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and roast, tossing once halfway through, until tender. This should take about 20 minutes; add 3 tablespoons of dried cranberries to the baking sheet 5 minutes before the squash is finished roasting.

Meanwhile, make the warm apple vinaigrette. In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons minced shallot, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, and 3/4 cup cider or apple juice. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then boil until reduced to about 1/4 cup. Off heat, whisk in 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

To assemble, place 4 ounces washed arugula into a large bowl. Add the roasted squash and cranberries, 1/2 cup toasted walnut halves, and 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan. Add dressing to taste and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Made with a collection of simple ingredients, I was surprised just how satisfying this salad was. Every flavor was nicely balanced against the others: acid from the dressing, brightness from the arugula, sweetness from the squash and cranberries, richness from the toasted nuts, and plenty of savory notes from the grated Parm. 

The dressing alone was delicious, prominently featuring sweet apple flavor balanced with the tang of Dijon mustard. Spooning it over the dish warm makes for a distinctly wintery salad that feels welcoming on a blustery day.

The mix of textures brings you back for bite after bite, and it’s pretty! It’s the perfect side for a dinner party, but it also makes for a great light lunch or dinner, and could easily be bulked up with a simply prepared protein like grilled chicken.