This post is sponsored by Taylor Farms

What does Autumn mean to you? When fall arrives, my head immediately begins to imagine gathering around the table with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. From fall birthdays to Friends and Thanksgiving and even the everyday ordinary…these are the moments where the world seems to slow down, people connect, the outside stressors melt away and we mindfully practice tuning in.

Traditions vary from house to house, but we have a Thanksgiving tradition in my family that has stayed the course of time. Our Thanksgiving meal is lunch, but the understanding is guests stay all day and nosh on the leftovers again at dinner. There’s football on in the background, a competitive game of scrabble or two, slow sips of wine or champagne and a variety of food. 

This year, we’re mixing it up when it comes to some of the sides. Sure to be featured will be a few bright and hearty salads like this Taylor Farms Maple Bourbon Bacon Chopped Kit served inside a hollowed out butternut squash. Taylor Farms wants to bring friends and families back to the dinner table by offering up an easy, healthy alternative found through its salads and produce. Their Chopped Kits are the perfect fresh dish for the holidays, and the variety of flavors in each kit will compliment any menu – traditional or non traditional!

The squash and maple notes are a natural pairing and the bacon and bourbon round it out with just the right amount of smoky + salty flavors. Not to mention, the dish is vibrant and adds the most amazing punch of color to the table!

Another salad that will be on the table is their Spiced Apple Chopped Kit (available at Sam’s Club.)

The salad is perfectly bright and autumnal as is, but pomegranate arils compliment the flavors of apple and it all pairs so well with the carved turkey! The colors sing in the bowl and all those flavors together don’t fail to delight the taste buds. Simply mix the ingredients in the kit together and add fresh pomegranate arils!

When it comes to menu planning, I follow a few simple rules. First, include your guests. Have each bring one item like an appetizer or side dish to help you lighten the cooking responsibilities. Second, focus on a few dishes that will be tasking and plan out the timing for them. In our case, it means brining and cooking the turkey, the homemade stuffing, etc. Lastly, grab some sustainable and fresh items like these Taylor Farms Chopped Salad Kits to brighten up and elevate the flavors of your side dishes.

Whether your menu is traditional or nontraditional, extravagant or simple – I’m wishing you the most beautiful holiday gatherings! Find the recipe for the squash salad below. Cheers from my kitchen to yours!

Maple Bourbon Bacon Squash Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 Taylor Farms Maple Bourbon Bacon Chopped Kit
• 2 butternut squashes, halved and seeded
• 1 delicata squash, halved and seeded then cut into half moons
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt + Pepper

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 425
2. After you’ve halved and seeded the butternut squash, run a sharp knife halfway through the squash in cross sections and drizzle each half with 1 tbsp. EVOO
3. Place them meat side up on two baking sheets, add 1/2 cup of water onto the pan and cover loosely with tinfoil.
4. Bake 45-50 minutes.
5. On another parchment paper lined baking sheet, spread out the halved delicata squash pieces and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake in the same oven for 30-40 minutes or until tender and browned on the bottom.
6. Let the butternut squash sit for 15 minutes, then use a large spoon to remove the squash from the exterior layer. Cube the cooked squash and set aside.
7. Mix together the Maple Bourbon Bacon Chopped salad in a separate bowl and dress it. Add to the hollowed out squash halves and sprinkle with the bacon + golden honey almonds. Finish by topping with the cubed squash + delicata halves.

Scoring the squash aids in cooking and makes it easier to remove!

For more information on where to buy your Taylor Farms Chopped Salad Kits, be sure to visit their site!

If you make this maple bourbon bacon squash salad recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram @girlmeetskitchen!