The overall appearance of this salad is quite impressive, and don’t be surprised if your guests go back for seconds.
Author of the article:
Saskatoon StarPhoenix
•Publishing date:
Oct 29, 2021 • 11 minutes ago • 4 minute read • Join the conversation Photo by Renee Kohlman /Supplied photo
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As we cruise into the holiday season, it’s never too early to think about what foods shall be the centre of the feast.
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Sure, the various types of glistening roast beast (turkey, prime rib, ham) are always the focal point of the table, but don’t forget about show-stopping side dishes that will garner a gasp from your guests. This roasted hasselback butternut squash salad is not only pretty to look at, it’s pretty darn delicious to eat, too.
Photo by Renee Kohlman /Supplied photo
You may be aware of hasselback potatoes — where they are cut about halfway through into thin fan-like slices and roasted until tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. This technique also works on other vegetables, and it is quite lovely with butternut squash.
The trick here is to not cut the squash all the way through — about 3/4 of the way should do it. When it’s finished cooking it should look golden and caramelized and the flesh should be tender. While the squash roasts away in the oven, sage leaves are fried, shallots are caramelized, and pecans are candied. It may sound like a lot or work, but the steps only take a few minutes each. You could prepare these components as well as the apricot vinaigrette the day ahead, saving you some time on the day of. Peppery arugula makes a fine bed of greens, and the creamy goat cheese and dried cranberries add another layer of flavour and texture.
The overall appearance of this salad is quite impressive, and don’t be surprised if your guests go back for seconds.
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