An earthy, grounding bowl that celebrates the season’s harvest.
As autumn settles in, the kitchen becomes a place of warmth and slow ritual — roasting, stirring, sharing. This salad captures that feeling: caramelised butternut squash, nutty barley, crisp apple, and creamy feta, all tossed with toasted pecans and a maple dressing.
It’s simple, deeply satisfying, and designed to be enjoyed at a table that feels alive with texture and warmth — wooden bowls, linen napkins, soft candlelight.
Roasted Squash & Barley Autumn Salad
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 400g butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
- 100g pearled barley (or quinoa for a gluten-free option)
- 1 small apple, thinly sliced
- 40g baby kale or rocket (arugula)
- 30g toasted pecans or walnuts
- 40g crumbled or sliced feta cheese (optional)
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
Dressing
- 2 tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp (5ml) maple syrup
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of sea salt
Method
- Roast the squash
Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C). Toss the squash with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until caramelised and tender. - Cook the barley
Rinse the barley, then simmer in 500ml salted water for 25–30 minutes until soft but slightly chewy. Drain and set aside. - Whisk the dressing
Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and salt. Whisk until smooth and golden. - Assemble
In a large bowl, mix the roasted squash, barley, apple, kale, and nuts. Pour over the dressing and toss gently to coat. - Serve beautifully
Finish with feta and a few thyme leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature in a rustic ceramic or wooden bowl.
Ready to Serve
Every ingredient in this salad tells a seasonal story — the sweetness of roasted squash, the crunch of apples, the earthy comfort of grains and nuts. Together, they remind us that eating well in autumn isn’t about complexity, but care.
Pair it with our crafted wooden bowls and platters, and let the table reflect the beauty of slow, seasonal living.