Balsamic Roasted Winter Squash and Wild Rice Salad
5.0(374)
Squash absorbs the rich, acidic flavor of balsamic vinegar in the most inviting way; the idea of tossing it with the vinegar before roasting comes from Heidi Swanson. Put this delicious autumn salad in your Thanksgiving file. Make sure to cook the wild rice until it begins to splay or you won’t get the full nutty flavor of the grains
02Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the squash in a bowl or directly on the baking sheet and toss with salt to taste, the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Spread on the baking sheet in an even layer and make sure to tip all of the liquid remaining in the bowl over the squash. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so that the squash browns evenly. The squash should be tender all the way through. Remove from the heat
03In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, salt to taste and mustard. Whisk in the remaining olive oil and the walnut oil
04Combine the wild rice, squash, herbs and celery in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste. Line a platter, individual plates or a wide salad bowl with the baby spinach or arugula. Top with the salad and serve