Salad isn’t the first dish that comes to my mind when I think about Fall. However, this Zesty Maple Ginger Acorn Squash Burrata Salad (phew, that’s a mouthful) is the ultimate autumn side dish!
This Zesty Maple Ginger Acorn Squash Burrata Salad perfectly balances sweet, savory, and creamy textures, making it an ideal dish for fall and holiday gatherings. Roasted acorn squash slices are coated in A Spice Affair’s Zesty Maple Ginger seasoning for a burst of warm flavors, while creamy burrata, juicy pomegranate seeds, and crunchy toasted pecans add layers of interest. Drizzled with a bright, maple-infused dressing, this salad is just as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it as a stunning starter or as a light main course.
Quick Tips:
Caramelize the Squash: To achieve beautifully caramelized edges, make sure the squash slices are in a single layer and not overlapping on the baking sheet.
Use Fresh Burrata: Burrata’s creaminess is best when served fresh, so tear it just before serving to maintain its soft texture.
Customize the Dressing: Add fresh grated ginger to the dressing for an extra zing or a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
Fall Pairings:
Pair this salad with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a citrusy gin cocktail to complement the bright flavors. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon. The sweetness and spice in the acorn squash also balance well with buttery garlic bread or crusty sourdough.
Other A Spice Affair Fall Inspired Dishes:
Honey Maple Butternut Squash Soup
A velvety smooth butternut squash soup with hints of sweetness and spice, thanks to A Spice Affair’s Honey Maple Squash seasoning. Roasted squash and carrots bring out the natural flavors, while a swirl of coconut milk (or cream) adds luxurious creaminess—perfect for a cozy fall dinner.
Mulled Bourbon with Cranberry Apple Juice
This warm Mulled Bourbon cocktail is brimming with festive flavors from A Spice Affair’s Mulling Spice blend. Cranberry apple juice, fresh orange slices, and a splash of bourbon make it the perfect holiday sipper, with just the right balance of tart, sweet, and spiced notes.
Maple Bacon Cornbread Waffles
A sweet and savory take on classic cornbread waffles, these are packed with smoky flavor from A Spice Affair’s Maple Bacon seasoning. Drizzle with maple syrup and top with crispy bacon for the ultimate brunch treat that pairs perfectly with fried chicken or just a cup of coffee.
Caramel Apple Pie
A twist on a classic apple pie with a rich, buttery crust and tender spiced apples, elevated by a homemade caramel sauce. A Spice Affair’s Apple Pie Blend adds a perfect balance of warm spices, making this pie the ultimate dessert for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Zesty Maple Ginger Roasted Acorn Squash Burrata Salad
Warm roasted acorn squash salad with creamy burrata, zesty maple ginger dressing, pomegranate, and toasted pecans. A stunning fall appetizer.
Prep Time25 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Servings: 4
For the Salad:
- 1 acorn squash halved, seeded, and sliced into half-moons
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Zesty Maple Ginger seasoning
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 burrata ball
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans
- Lemon zest from 1 lemon
- Fresh herb garnish e.g., mint, parsley, or cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens arugula, baby spinach, or a blend
For the Dressing:
- 1 tbsp Zesty Maple Ginger seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp grated fresh ginger for an extra zing
Roast the Acorn Squash:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the acorn squash slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of Zesty Maple Ginger seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Ensure the squash is evenly coated.
Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized around the edges.
Assemble the Salad:
Place the roasted squash slices on top of the greens.
Tear the burrata into pieces and distribute them among the squash slices.
Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds and toasted pecans over the salad for bursts of color and texture.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, combine 1 tablespoon of Zesty Maple Ginger seasoning, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and the juice of half a lemon.
Whisk together until well blended or shake in a sealed jar to emulsify. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Dress and Garnish:
Drizzle the Zesty Maple Ginger dressing over the assembled salad, ensuring it coats the squash, burrata, and greens evenly.
Finish by zesting a lemon over the salad and garnishing with fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or cilantro.
Serving Suggestions:
This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light, citrusy cocktail. Serve it as an elegant starter or alongside a main dish like roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete meal.