Zesty Roasted Winter Vegetable Salad With Maple Dijon Dressing Recipe

Crafting a hearty maple dijon dressing elevates this roasted winter vegetable salad into a culinary adventure.

Seasonal produce transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dish bursting with flavor.

Colorful root vegetables caramelize beautifully under high heat, creating delightful crispy edges.

Rich maple notes dance with tangy dijon mustard, promising a complex taste experience.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures from tender roasted vegetables and crunchy optional toppings.

Comfort meets nutrition in this warm and inviting salad that celebrates winter’s bounty.

FAQs

• Can I use different vegetables in this salad?

Yes, you can swap out vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference. Root vegetables like parsnips, butternut squash, or beets work well as alternatives.

• Are there any protein options I can add to make this more filling?

Definitely! Roasted chickpeas, grilled chicken, crumbled goat cheese, or tofu are excellent protein additions that complement the roasted vegetables.

• How do I ensure my vegetables roast evenly and caramelize properly?

Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces, spread them in a single layer without overcrowding, and use a high oven temperature around 400F. Stirring halfway through roasting helps achieve even browning.

Why This Winter Salad Is a Must-Try

• Craft Winter Comfort: Transform ordinary winter vegetables into a spectacular, nourishing salad that warms your soul and delights your taste buds.
• Simplify Seasonal Cooking: Create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal kitchen skills, using basic roasting techniques that guarantee perfectly caramelized vegetables every single time.
• Boost Nutrition Easily: Pack your meal with colorful, nutrient-dense ingredients like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and mixed greens that provide essential vitamins and minerals in one delicious serving.
• Celebrate Versatile Dining: Enjoy this salad as a hearty lunch, elegant side dish, or impressive vegetarian main course that adapts beautifully to different meal occasions and preferences.

Ingredients in Roasted Winter Veggie Salad Bowl

• Brussels Sprouts: Small green cabbage-like vegetables that provide a nutty and slightly bitter flavor to the salad.
• Sweet Potato: A vibrant orange root vegetable that adds natural sweetness and creamy texture.
• Carrots: Crunchy orange vegetables that bring a subtle sweetness and bright color to the dish.
• Red Onion: Sharp-flavored onion that caramelizes beautifully and adds depth to the roasted vegetable mix.

• Mixed Greens: A combination of tender salad leaves that create a fresh and light base for the roasted vegetables.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for roasting vegetables and creating a smooth dressing.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that adds a rich, complex flavor to the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that provides a sharp and zesty note to the dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Acidic ingredient that balances the sweetness and adds brightness to the dressing.

• Pecans, Dried Cranberries: Crunchy nuts and sweet-tart dried fruit that add texture and contrast to the salad.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables and dressing.

How to Prepare Roasted Veggie Salad Bowl

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep and Season Veggies

• Brussels sprouts
• Sweet potato
• Carrots
• Red onion

Toss these beauties with olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet so they can caramelize perfectly.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the magic happen. Roast for 25-30 minutes, giving the vegetables a quick stir halfway through.

You want them tender and sporting those gorgeous golden-brown edges.

Step 4: Whip Up the Dressing

• Olive oil
• Maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend until smooth and set aside.

Step 5: Build Your Salad

• Roasted vegetables
• Toasted pecans
• Dried cranberries

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle the maple Dijon dressing over the salad.

Give it a gentle toss to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Enjoy your winter veggie masterpiece!

Great Tips for Roasted Veggie Salad Success

• Chop vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even roasting and consistent caramelization.
• Spread vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to help them crisp and roast perfectly.
• Add extra protein like crumbled goat cheese or grilled chicken to transform this salad into a complete meal.
• Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly and taste before adding to ensure balanced sweet and tangy flavors.
• Roast vegetables and prepare dressing separately, storing in refrigerator up to 2 days in advance for quick meal preparation.

Fresh Spins on Winter Vegetable Salad Ideas

• Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Salad: Replace pecans with crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and swap maple Dijon dressing with a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
• Spicy Southwestern Salad: Mix in black beans, corn kernels, and jalapeños. Use a chipotle-lime dressing instead of maple Dijon for a zesty kick.
• Autumn Harvest Salad: Substitute Brussels sprouts with roasted butternut squash, add crispy bacon bits, and use a warm bacon vinaigrette for extra richness.
• Vegan Power Bowl: Replace pecans with roasted pumpkin seeds, add quinoa, and use a tahini-maple dressing for a protein-packed plant-based version.

What Complements Roasted Veggie Salad Best

• Select Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc brings bright, zesty notes that complement the sweet roasted vegetables and cut through the rich maple Dijon dressing, creating a refreshing balance.
• Match Hearty Bread: Serve rustic sourdough or whole grain bread with a crispy crust to provide delightful textural contrast and help soak up the delicious maple Dijon dressing.
• Enhance with Goat Cheese: Crumble tangy goat cheese over the salad to add creamy richness that harmonizes with the roasted vegetables and provides a smooth counterpoint to the nutty pecans.

Keeping Roasted Veggie Salad Fresh and Crisp

Store leftover roasted vegetables and salad separately in airtight containers. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and freshness.

Warm roasted vegetables in a preheated oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.

Keep mixed greens and additional toppings like pecans and cranberries separate from roasted vegetables to prevent wilting. Add fresh greens when ready to eat.

Store maple Dijon dressing in the refrigerator. Shake well before using, as natural separation may occur. Discard if any unusual odor or appearance develops.