The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and indulgence in delicious meals. But for individuals recovering from wounds, the right nutrition can play a vital role in promoting faster and more effective recovery. That’s why we’re sharing a festive recipe that not only delights the taste buds but also delivers essential nutrients to support your body’s recovery journey.
Our Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to enhance recovery. Plus, it’s a colorful addition to your holiday table!
The Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad
Ingredients
Salad
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cups fresh spinach
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup pumpkin seeds or walnuts
½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
Cranberry Vinaigrette
½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
Roast the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and golden brown.
Prepare the Vinaigrette: While the squash roasts, combine cranberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine fresh spinach, roasted squash, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle the cranberry vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or feta over the top for a finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why This Recipe Supports Wound Recovery
The ingredients in this salad are more than just festive—they’re functional:
Spinach: Rich in iron and vitamin C, spinach supports collagen production, a key factor in wound recovery.
Butternut Squash: Packed with vitamin A, which aids in skin repair and regeneration.
Cranberries: Loaded with antioxidants to combat inflammation and promote overall health.
Pumpkin Seeds/Walnuts: Excellent sources of zinc, a mineral essential for wound recovery.
Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats to reduce inflammation and support skin repair.
Share the Joy and the Health
We hope this recipe brings some extra cheer to your holiday celebrations while supporting your recovery goals. If you try this dish, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your experience with us and inspire others to enjoy healthy, festive meals.
For more tips on wound recovery, visit MobileWound Care MD or contact us today.