Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Barley and Candied Bacon from Karen...

[barbara-in-va]

This salad is so good! CathyZ, I know you made it too. I brought it to a dinner party last night and everyone just loved it. The only thing I did differently was to use my own spicy nuts instead of the toasted walnuts described in the salad. My greens were a 50/50 blend of spinach and baby lettuces. Mr dressing was a bit sweeter because I tipped the bottle of maple syrup a little more because I wanted it sweeter. You can tweak in so many ways to your liking too. If squash is not your favorite what about sweet potatoes. Instead of pomegranate maybe blueberries or strawberry slices, instead of the barley, quinoa and wheatberries would also work well. Instead of feta, maybe goat or bleu cheese. This was my first experience with candied bacon, OMG!!

And the pomegranate trick is perfect. Somewhere along the timeline, I saw Julia demonstrate it. It works perfectly every time!

Karen, thank you so much for posting this. I will definitely make it again and again in the fall.

http://thecafesucrefarine.com/2013/11/roasted-butternut-salad-with-barley-and-candied-bacon/

 

[marilynfl]

We had it for the second time last night. I definitely prefer spinach to spring mix. Wasn't

that impressed with barley...it's the first time I've tried it outside of a strong soup base....pretty bland on its own. I was wondering if cracked wheat (tabouli grains) would work.

I added a bit of frozen OJ concentrate to oomph up the orange flavor in the dressing.

 

[angak1]

I'm thinking even Orzo would be outstanding.

 

[deb-in-mi]

Woe is me - hubby won't eat butternut squash. And I love it!

 

[karennoca]

As Barbara said, substitute; use sweet potatoes, or acorn squash. It is so versatile

 

[deb-in-mi]

He doesn't any of those - boo hoo!! (well - unless the sweet potatoes are fried)

 

[marilynfl]

The salad is a blend of many things. Just leave the butternut out of his portion...add it to yours