Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata Bacon Walnuts and Feta Recipe

If you crave a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy, this Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata Bacon Walnuts and Feta Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This salad combines tender roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, kissed with a luscious maple glaze, and then topped with rich burrata, smoky bacon, crunchy walnuts, and salty feta. It’s a celebration of fall flavors that is as beautiful on the plate as it is satisfying to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe may look and taste like something sophisticated, but it’s truly built from simple, essential ingredients that play their part beautifully. Each item contributes a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color, making this dish a well-rounded delight you’ll want to savor.

• Brussels sprouts: Trimmed and halved, they roast to a caramelized perfection that balances bitterness and sweetness.
• Butternut squash: Peeled and cubed, it adds warm, creamy sweetness and a gorgeous golden color.
• Olive oil: A drizzle ensures even roasting and adds a subtle fruity richness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavor.
• Pure maple syrup: The star sweetener that gives the glaze its glossy, irresistible finish.
• Bacon: Cooked and crumbled, it provides a smoky crunch that’s pure comfort food.
• Walnuts: Toasted for an earthy crunch that contrasts brilliantly with the soft veggies and cheeses.
• Burrata cheese: Creamy and mild, it adds silkiness that melts into the roasted veggies.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled for a salty bite that lifts the salad’s overall flavor.
• Balsamic glaze: A luscious drizzle that adds tangy sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch.
• Fresh basil leaves: For a fragrant, herbaceous pop that brightens every forkful.

How to Make Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata Bacon Walnuts and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This sets the stage for perfect roasting.

Step 2: Toss Your Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine your halved Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss everything well, ensuring each piece is coated in oil and seasoning to guarantee even cooking and flavor throughout.

Step 3: Arrange for Roasting

Spread the veggies out in a single layer on your lined baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t crowded so they roast instead of steam, which will help them get that coveted caramelized edge.

Step 4: Maple-Glaze Magic

Drizzle pure maple syrup evenly over your vegetables, then gently toss them with a spoon or spatula to distribute the glaze. This sweet layer will deepen and intensify as it roasts, adding irresistible flavor.

Step 5: Roast Until Tender and Caramelized

Pop the tray into the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir the veggies halfway through to ensure even caramelization. You’re looking for tender centers and richly browned surfaces that promise flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Toast the Walnuts

While the vegetables roast, toast your walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them frequently for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re golden and fragrant. This step breathes out the nuts’ essential oils and adds wonderful crunch to your salad.

Step 7: Cool and Arrange

Once roasted, allow the maple-glazed veggies to cool just slightly so the burrata won’t melt away too quickly. Then spread these vegetable gems across a large serving platter, forming the base of your gorgeous salad.

Step 8: Add the Creamy Burrata

Tear the burrata cheese into large, rustic chunks and scatter these delicacies atop the warm veggies. The cheese should be creamy and luscious, creating little pockets of cheesy heaven throughout the dish.

Step 9: Sprinkle Bacon, Walnuts, and Feta

Next, sprinkle on the smoky crumbled bacon, your fragrant toasted walnuts, and tangy crumbled feta cheese. These toppings add wonderful texture and complementary flavors that take the salad to a whole new level.

Step 10: The Finishing Touch

Drizzle balsamic glaze gently over everything for a tangy-sweet finish, then garnish with fresh basil leaves, adding a fresh, vibrant visual and aromatic appeal. Your salad is now ready to be enjoyed.

Step 11: Ready to Serve

You can serve this salad warm to highlight the comforting roasted flavors, or at room temperature to let all the ingredients mingle beautifully. Either way, it’s an absolute showstopper.

How to Serve Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata Bacon Walnuts and Feta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are classic, but feel free to add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a handful of microgreens to boost the freshness and color. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at the very end can also add a lovely sheen and subtle richness.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a delightful main course. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside a warm grain dish like quinoa or wild rice to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual bowls or on rustic wooden boards for an inviting family-style meal. You can also stuff it into warm pita pockets or fill small endives for elegant appetizers that highlight the salad’s irresistible flavors and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the burrata and bacon, it’s best eaten sooner rather than later to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate cheeses and fresh basil. For best results, prepare and enjoy it fresh or store refrigerated as described above.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the salad warm again, gently reheat the roasted vegetables in the oven or on the stovetop, then add the fresh toppings like burrata, bacon, walnuts, feta, and basil after reheating to keep their textures intact and flavors vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts and butternut squash?

While fresh veggies are ideal to achieve that perfect caramelization and texture, you can use frozen if needed. Just thaw and drain them well before roasting to avoid sogginess.

Is there a substitute for burrata cheese?

If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella is a great alternative—less creamy but still wonderfully mild and melty. You could also try a creamy goat cheese for a tangier twist.

Can this salad be made vegan?

To make it vegan, skip the bacon, burrata, and feta. You can add extra toasted nuts or seeds for crunch and perhaps a splash of tahini or a nut-based cheese alternative to keep it creamy and satisfying.

How do I store leftovers to keep the salad fresh?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container but keep the dressing and fresh herbs separate if possible. Add these just before serving to maintain texture and brightness.

Can I prepare parts of this salad in advance?

Absolutely! You can roast the vegetables and toast the walnuts a day ahead. Store them separately and assemble with fresh cheese, bacon, and herbs right before serving for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata Bacon Walnuts and Feta Recipe a try soon because it’s the kind of dish that cheers you up the moment you taste it. With every bite, you get a perfect mix of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and elevated. Whether you’re feeding friends or just treating yourself, this salad never fails to impress and satisfy.

Print