Apple Squash Salad

Bits of crisp apples, roasted squash, and cranberries give this apple squash salad its bountiful flavor. Drizzle on some no-oil Maple Mustard Dressing and you’ll FALL in love!

Good For You Fuel

This apple squash salad is loaded with goodies. The greens alone provide vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. They are a good source of beta carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body. This is super important for your immune system. The apples have their skin left on which makes them high in quercetin and they are packed with vitamin C. I love the crunch and sweetness they offer here as well.

It’s a good source of fiber. Foods high in dietary fiber can help keep your weight in check and lower your cancer risk. Research shows that butternut squash can help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, in particular.

Pepitas are in this salad! They are an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. This reduces inflammation in the body.There is a flavor mixture here that I use and love. I buy a large bag of mixed cranberries, pepitas, and candied pecans. This adds so much deliciousness and crunch, and eliminates you need for preservative filled buttery croutons. You can get it at Costco foods or HERE.

NOTE: There is a small amount of sugar due to the candied pecans and cranberries, so if you are in phase 1 recipes you can opt for using 1/2 cup of each separately and mix together. ALSO NOTE: Though they are an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, if you are actively trying to loose weight, use nuts and seeds sparingly.

The Dressing

This is my favorite oil free dressing and its tanginess pairs perfectly with the sweet fruit in this harvest filled salad. Here is a link to this recipe post.Maple Mustard Dressing

I like to add a tiny bit of horseradish to give it just a bit if zip without being spicy. You can omit this if you wish as the dressing is still delicious without it. I even like to make a double or triple batch for salads later on in the week!

I really hope you try this healthy salad! Let me know in the comments how good it made you feel!