Ingredients

5cupsbutternut squash,(1½ lbs), cubed, cut into ¾ inch pieces

1½tbspolive oil

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1cuppecans,chopped, toasted

10ozbaby spinach

1¼cupspomegranate arils

4ozgoat cheese,or feta, crumbled

½cupolive oil

¼cupred wine vinegar

3tbspshallot,minced

2½tbsphoney

1tbspdijon mustard

1tspfresh thyme leaves

salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place squash in a mound on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss to evenly coat in oil. Spread into an even layer.

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes then remove from oven and toss. Return to oven and bake for about 10 minutes until tender.

Allow to cool for several minutes before adding to salad.

In a large salad bowl toss together spinach, squash, half of the pecans and half of the pomegranate arils.

Drizzle with desired amount of dressing and gently toss. Sprinkle with remaining pecans, pomegranate arils and goat cheese and serve immediately.

Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender and season with salt and pepper to taste. Process until well emulsified.