Warm Butternut Squash Harvest Salad (Hormone-Supportive, Gluten-Free) 🥗🍁

This warm, nourishing salad brings all the fall comfort—without the blood sugar crash.
Roasted butternut squash, chicken, apples, and pecans create a satisfying balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, while a maple balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together.
Every ingredient supports hormone balance, metabolism, and mood—so it’s as functional as it is flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
• ½ Tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 6 slices bacon (turkey bacon or any type), cooked and chopped
• 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped (rotisserie or homemade)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (Macintosh or any variety)
• ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
• ¾ cup pecans
• 6 cups lettuce or spring mix, washed and chopped

Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tsp maple syrup
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

How to Make Hormone-Supportive Butternut Squash Harvest Salad:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss butternut squash with olive oil, cinnamon, sea salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the sheet.
3. Roast 30–40 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and tender.
4. While roasting, whisk or shake vinaigrette ingredients in a small jar until well combined.
5. In a large salad bowl, layer greens, roasted squash, bacon, chicken, cheese, apple, raisins, and pecans.
6. Drizzle with desired amount of dressing and toss gently. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Why This Supports Women’s Hormone & Wellness Health:

Hormone-friendly fats: Olive oil and pecans provide omega-9s and monounsaturated fats that support estrogen metabolism and cell health.
Protein for progesterone balance: Chicken and eggs supply amino acids that stabilize blood sugar and promote progesterone production.
Fiber for detox & gut health: Butternut squash, apples, and greens deliver prebiotic fiber to support digestion, reduce estrogen dominance, and improve microbiome balance.
Anti-inflammatory support: Cinnamon, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar help lower chronic inflammation associated with PCOS and endometriosis.
Longevity & metabolic balance: This meal’s mix of slow carbs, lean protein, and antioxidants supports mitochondrial health, steady energy, and mood stability throughout the day.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Store dressing separately and shake before reusing.
• Reheat roasted squash and protein before adding to greens if serving warm.