Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad



I saw Ina Garten make this delicious salad on her show and knew I could easily make a low-carb version. The natural sweetness of the butternut squash needs no enhancement from the sugar, molasses or honey that was part of the original dish. Adding chicken provides the necessary protein to make this a balanced meal. Note: Make sure you measure the butternut squash careful; it is a higher glycemic carb and should be eaten in perfect portion.

1/2 lb chicken breasts (you can use a rotisserie chicken or any leftover, cooked chicken)
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper
1 bag of prewashed argula or baby spinach
1/8 cup walnuts or pecans

Heat the oven to 400 and toss squash, olive oil and salt and pepper in a roasting dish. Cook 30-45 minutes, tossing often. Toast pecans at the same time for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare salad dressing*
To assemble salad, fill a large bowl with spinach or argula, top with chicken and butternut squash (each according to your protein and carb blocks), then pour over salad dressing.

Salad dressing:

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 shallot, chopped fine
1/2 cup olive oil
salt and pepper

Heat a small skillet to medium and add shallots and vinegar. Cook until reduced by half, then remove from heat and whisk in olive oil, salt and pepper.

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