Thanksgiving Salad

A fall-themed salad with spinach, butternut squash, apples, and cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

1 small (1 1/2 pounds) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 4 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
½ teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
8 cups packed baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 medium Honey Crisp apple, diced
½ cup diced sharp Cheddar cheese
½ cup toasted chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Stir squash, garlic, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together in a large bowl. Spread on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast, stirring once, until tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in the large bowl. Add spinach, the roasted squash, apples, cheese and pecans. Toss to coat.