Roasted Vegetable and Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
A vibrant salad of oven-roasted winter vegetables tossed with toasted pecans and a tangy Whole30-compliant balsamic vinaigrette. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs halved brussels sprouts, peeled and cubed butternut squash, medium, cut into wedges red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups halved brussels sprouts
- 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 1 medium, cut into wedges red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 4 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (Whole30 compliant)
- 1 clove minced garlic clove
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. On a large baking sheet, toss 2 cups halved brussels sprouts, 2 cups cubed butternut squash, and 1 medium red onion cut into wedges with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway.
- Step 2: While vegetables roast, toast 1/2 cup chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens with the roasted vegetables and toasted pecans. Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Roasted Vegetable and Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Roasted Vegetable and Pecan Salad with Balsamic 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 halved brussels sprouts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Vegetable and Pecan Salad with Balsamic 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 Roasted Vegetable and Pecan Salad with Balsamic 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.
Is Roasted Vegetable and Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.