THE FLAVOURS OF CHRISTMAS, IN A SALAD
The combination of butternut and feta is an absolute classic. The addition of figs, walnuts and a dressing (made out of the fig preserve and mustard) gives this butternut salad a unique twist. Serve it as part of your Christmas feast or as a meal to get you into the festive spirit.
The cinnamon butternut, sweet figs, walnuts and garlic croutons channel the tastes and textures of Christmas!
Christmas is in the air. And there’s no better way to celebrate than with a salad inspired by the tastes and textures of the season. Sweet, salty, crunchy and colourful, this will be a welcomed addition on any party table. Some points to note:
- This salad is an ideal accompaniment to a starchy Christmas feast
- Use fresh figs instead of preserved for a more savoury salad
- Butternut squash is rich in nutrients, especially vitamin A, but low in calories
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BUTTERNUT
The orange-fleshed vegetable is rich in a variety of important vitamins and minerals. In particular, it contains large amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as magnesium and potassium. By being low in calories, it can also aid in weight management. Butternut squash is a source of powerful anti-oxidants, including beta-carotene. It slows cell damage and inflammation in the body, preventing a number of chronic diseases.
PREPARE THE BUTTERNUT
Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (360 degrees Fahrenheit). Butternut is one of those vegetables that is quite hard to prepare. To speed up the process, pre-cut cubes can be bought from the grocery store. Otherwise, approximate 1/2 of a medium-large butternut can be used (or a very small one if you can find one). Cut into more manageable pieces, peel and remove the pulp and pips. Cut into crescent-shaped pieces (as we did) or into bite-sized cubes. Slice 1 small onion into thin strips. Place the vegetables into a baking tray, along with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good mix to ensure that everything is coated. Once the oven has reached the desire temperature, cook for approximately 30 minutes. Check on the vegetables and turn them every 15 minutes or so.
THE XMAS-INSPIRED DRESSING
Instead of a classic honey and mustard dressing, we’re giving it an Xmas twist (while utilising the ingredients at hand). Depending on how sweet you like it, mix 2-3 tablespoons of the preserved fig syrup with 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard. Emulsify it with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1/3 cup (70ml) of extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
By seasoning the butternut with cinnamon, using walnuts, sweet figs and its preserved syrup in the dressing, a unique (and festive) flavour profile is created.
Chop 3 preserved figs length-ways into thin slices. Fresh figs can be used for a less sweet taste. After approximately 30 minutes in the oven, remove the roasted butternut and onion and place the fig slices into the baking tray. Pop it back into the oven for roughly 5 minutes. This will allow the figs to caramelise slightly and infuse with the rest of the vegetables. Remove from the oven and wait until the butternut, onion and fig mix have reached room temperature.
Now it’s time to prepare the remainder of the ingredients. Cut 1/2 cup (60g) of vegan feta cheese into cubes. Give 1/3 cup raw walnuts a rough chop. Wash and dry 2 cups of rocket and/or watercress. The latter gives it even more of a festive taste, while the rocket adds a distinct savouriness.
ASSEMBLE THAT SALAD
Lay down a bed of rocket, watercress or a choice of any preferred greens. Layer slices of cinnamon roasted butternut, onion and figs with chunks of creamy feta cheese. Sprinkle over the walnuts and dried cranberries or pomegranates for a burst of extra festive colour. As it is already quite a sweet salad, the red fruit is completely optionally depending on taste. Drizzle the Xmas-inspired dressing over the salad and season with salt and pepper. Top with 1/2 cup (60g) of garlic croutons.
This beautiful salad looks and tastes just like the festive season. A green and deep orange backdrop with pops of ruby red and crisp white. It is the perfect side dish for a Southern-hemisphere Christmas or to cut the starchiness of a traditional Xmas dinner. Regardless of the season, it is a tasty and refreshing meal that combines sweet, savoury, nutty, creamy and crunchy flavour profiles. Impress your guests with this unique take on a butternut salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
Review overview
Summary
7.4This butternut and feta salad has a distinctly festive taste - cinnamon infused butternut, figs, walnuts, cranberries and a fig syrup and mustard dressing. It can be quite sweet but is the perfect accompaniment to a starchy Xmas dinner.