Honey-Roasted Butternut w/ Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Create a delightful autumn-inspired dish with this Honey-Roasted Butternut recipe, featuring sweet cranberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. This vibrant salad is an easy and nutritious addition to your fall gatherings, combining rich flavors and textures that will impress guests and family alike. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this recipe celebrates the best of the season’s harvest.

Created by

Sam Johnson

Last updated on 2025-10-21T06:06:15.009Z

This Honey-Roasted Butternut dish is perfect for celebrating the flavors of fall. The sweetness of the honey perfectly complements the roasted butternut squash, while the cranberries add a tart burst. Feta cheese brings creaminess, and pumpkin seeds contribute a satisfying crunch.

The Perfect Fall Dish

As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like a warm, hearty dish to celebrate the season. This Honey-Roasted Butternut with Cranberries, Feta, and Pumpkin Seeds embodies the essence of autumn. The natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash pairs beautifully with tart cranberries, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. This dish not only captures the spirit of the season but also showcases the rich harvest we are privileged to enjoy during these months.

The addition of feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that enhances the overall taste profile. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the pumpkin seeds, making this salad a multi-textural experience. Ideal for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, this recipe can be a standout centerpiece on your table, inviting admiration and praise from your guests.

Health Benefits You’ll Love

This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can benefit your health. Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, both essential for maintaining a strong immune system, especially during the cooler months. Additionally, it’s high in fiber, which promotes good digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer.

Cranberries bring their own array of health benefits to the table. They are rich in antioxidants and have been shown to help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Meanwhile, pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats. Incorporating these wholesome ingredients into your meals can contribute to overall wellness, making this recipe not only a festival of flavors but a smart choice for a healthy diet.

Versatility and Serving Suggestions

This Honey-Roasted Butternut dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy it in various ways. It can serve as a stunning side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables, adding a sweet and savory touch to your meals. Furthermore, it works wonderfully as a light main course, especially when served with a side of greens or whole grains. You could easily transform this dish into a lunchbox favorite, providing a healthy, satisfying option for midday meals.

Consider pairing this salad with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red for an elevated dining experience. The balance of flavors in this dish calls for a complementing beverage that enhances its taste profile without overpowering it. Whether at a holiday feast or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
1/2 cup cranberries (dried or fresh)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you have all ingredients ready, you can proceed to the cooking steps.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Honey-Roasted Butternut:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Butternut Squash

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced butternut squash, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until the squash is evenly coated.

Roast the Butternut Squash

Spread the coated butternut squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.

Combine Ingredients

Once the squash is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. In a serving bowl, combine the roasted squash, cranberries, feta cheese, and pumpkin seeds. Toss gently.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.

Your Honey-Roasted Butternut is now ready to enjoy!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the textures intact, consider storing the roasted squash and the dressing separately, if possible. This will help maintain the crunch of the pumpkin seeds and prevent the feta from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply toss them together and serve them chilled or reheated.

For longer storage, you can freeze the roasted butternut squash. After cooling completely, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave. This flexibility makes it an excellent dish for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a healthy, seasonal treat even on busy days.

Pairing Suggestions

To enhance the flavors of your Honey-Roasted Butternut Salad, consider pairing it with roasted chicken or turkey. The savory notes of the poultry beautifully complement the sweet and tangy elements of the dish, creating a balanced plate. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside quinoa or farro, which will add an earthy richness and additional protein.

Another great pairing is a simple arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. The peppery notes of the arugula provide a refreshing contrast, making your meal satisfying and wholesome. Don't forget to complement it with warm, crusty bread or whole grain rolls to make your dining experience even more enjoyable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with acorn squash or pumpkin.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free.