Winter Panzanella with Apple Dressing

[nverland]

Winter Panzanella with Apple Dressing

Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Dash each salt and pepper
1 loaf sourdough bread (1 pound), cut into cubes
2 tablespoons each minced fresh basil, cilantro and mint, divided
1 cup fresh arugula
1 medium apple, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pitted Greek olives, sliced
2 tablespoons lime juice
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime peel

APPLE DRESSING:
1/4 cup chopped peeled apple
2 tablespoons honey, divided
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon apple brandy or apple cider
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Place squash cubes in a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Remove from the oven and cool.
In a large bowl, toss bread cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon each basil, cilantro and mint. Transfer to a baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Place the cooled squash, arugula, apple slices, onion, cranberries, olives, lime juice and peel, croutons and remaining herbs in a large bowl.
In a small skillet, cook apple in 1 tablespoon each honey and oil over medium heat until apple is softened and caramelized, stirring often. Transfer to a blender.
Add the vinegar, brandy, mustard, salt, pepper and remaining honey. Cover and process until pureed. While processing, gradually add remaining oil in a steady stream. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat. Yield: 14 servings (1 cup each).

Nutritional Facts
1 cup equals 276 calories, 13 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 363 mg sodium, 38 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 5 g protein.