Sweet, smoky, and tangy—this simple butternut squash salad proves you don’t need a long shopping list to make something incredible.
A dish doesn’t have to be complicated to taste amazing. For years, I was skeptical of recipes with minimal ingredients because so many of them cut corners on flavor. But every once in a while, you come up with a rare gem of a recipe that’s supremely simple, deeply delicious, and doesn’t require a million and one different ingredients. That’s exactly what we have here.
This dish takes tender, spiralized butternut squash noodles and caramelized onion, then tosses them in a glossy balsamic-maple glaze that’s just the right balance of sweet and tangy. The real magic, though, comes from the bacon. Cooking everything in bacon drippings infuses the squash with smoky richness, and adding crispy crumbles on top ties the whole dish together in the most irresistible way. Sometimes the simplest combinations are really the best.
What I love most is how this salad manages to be both elegant and approachable. It feels right at home on a holiday table but is simple enough for a weeknight side. Plus, it looks gorgeous when served—the golden squash spirals intertwined with caramelized onion and a rich glaze make it so much more fun than the usual roasted cubes. And since it all comes together in one pan, it’s as practical as it is delicious.
The magic of spiralized squash
If you’ve only ever eaten butternut squash roasted in cubes, mashed, or blended into soup, spiralizing it will change the game for you. Not only does it cut down on the heavy knife work (a blessing, considering how tough squash can be to chop), but it also creates these delicate strands that cook quickly and absorb sauces beautifully. The texture is tender yet springy, and it makes the dish feel lighter and fresher than traditional roasted squash.
How do I store leftovers?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bacon may lose some of its crispness, but the flavors actually deepen as they sit. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short bursts. I don’t recommend freezing this dish since the spiralized squash can become mushy once thawed.
Serving suggestions
This salad is a great side dish for holiday meals alongside baked ham or roasted turkey, but it’s equally good alongside a simple Roasted Chicken or Pan-Seared Salmon. It also pairs well with hearty grains like Quinoa or Farro if you want to turn it into a more filling main.
Other great sides to try are Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Maple-Glazed Carrots. And If you want to try more easy-but-special sides, try Curried Butternut Squash Salad or Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut hickory-smoked bacon
- 2½ tablespoons good-quality balsamic vinegar divided
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 medium butternut squash about 3 pounds, spiralized with blade
- 1 large onion spiralized with blade
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Pinch of pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large, high-sided pan set over medium heat until golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes, flipping once. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and lightly press out any excess fat. Reserve the fat in the pan.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the balsamic vinegar to the pan with the bacon fat, reserving the rest for later, along with the maple syrup. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 20 seconds.
- Add the spiralized squash and onion and toss until evenly coated in the balsamic vinegar mixture. Add the salt and pepper and toss until evenly mixed.
- Cook, tossing occasionally, until the squash is fork-tender and the onion begins to caramelize, about 8-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the remaining ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Crumble the bacon and stir it in.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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