This cozy roasted fall panzanella salad is filled with warm flavors like butternut squash and roasted brussels sprouts, then topped with tangy pomegranate seeds and crunchy pepitas. Perfect as a surprisingly filling main dish or a side dish.
Preheat oven to 425° F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and toss brussels sprouts and squash with olive oil, a sprinkle of salt (about 1 teaspoon) and pepper. Bake for 40 minutes, tossing halfway through. Remove from oven and allow to cool, then transfer to the fridge. (You can store this a day or two ahead of time.) Turn the oven down to 400 degrees F.
Chop bread into cubes and toss with a little bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. I use a spray olive oil, but you can just add a tiny bit to coat. Bake at 400 for 5 minutes and toss, bake another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Meanwhile whisk together the olive oil, mustard, vinegar, maple syrup, and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
In a large bowl, add spinach, green onions, chilled roasted vegetables, pepitas, pomegranate seeds, croutons, and goat cheese (if desired). Drizzle a little dressing on top (you probably won't use it all) and toss to coat. Serve!
Notes
To make this salad ahead, roast brussels sprouts and squash ahead of time and store in the fridge up to 2 days until ready to use. Don't add croutons till ready to serve.
Goat cheese really is fantastic with this so I highly recommend it if your diet allows.
See the tips in the post for migraine-friendly brands.