Midwest-Style Harvest Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad combining crisp greens, roasted seasonal vegetables, and a sweet maple vinaigrette that reflects the heartland’s flavors. This American-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs mixed salad greens, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Roast 1 cup of 1/2-inch cubed butternut squash tossed with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt at 425°F for 20 minutes until tender and caramelized; let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously until the vinaigrette emulsifies and thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, the cooled roasted butternut squash, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans, and 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese.
  5. Step 5: Pour the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Midwest-Style Harvest Salad with Maple Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Midwest-Style Harvest Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mixed salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Midwest-Style Harvest Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Midwest-Style Harvest Salad with Maple Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Midwest-Style Harvest Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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