This butternut squash mac n’ cheese was a recipe I could.not.stop.eating. after it came off the stove.

Actually, let me correct that. It didn’t even come off the stove before I was spooning it into my face. There was barely enough left to photograph.

Butternut Squash Mac n' Cheese | edibleperspective.com

I’ve made similar recipes before but this particular one made me forget about every version from the past. It’s a fusion of squashy + cheesy and is definitely the best of both worlds. You’ll get some of that stringy, cheeey pull and all the rich, creaminess pureed butternut squash provides.

Roasting the squash adds another depth of flavor that makes it worth your time. And feel free to use frozen butternut squash here. No peeling required!

(I had a mixture of both below.)

Butternut Squash Mac n' Cheese | edibleperspective.com

This meal spells comfort in a major way.

Butternut Squash Mac n' Cheese | edibleperspective.com

And it can be yours tonight!

Get all the details over on my latest Craftsy post for this:

--->Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese <---

I guarantee you + your family (or just you) are going to devour this.

(It’s adapted from the lovely duo over at Pinch of Yum!)

Toasted breadcrumbs are 100% mandatory.

Butternut Squash Mac n' Cheese | edibleperspective.com

Also!!

The winners of the Valentine’s Day giveaway are:

Winner #1 –> Jesse! “I love my sweet husband, my adorable dog, and cooking for them. Baking and cooking for family and friends is how I show love, and I am so appreciative of your blog!”

Winner #2 –> Lindsay! I LOVE waking up early on a Saturday, grabbing a foamy latte, then heading to Zilker Park in Austin with my husband and our pup. It doesn't get better than that <3”

I’ll be emailing you two shortly with all of the details.

Thank you to everyone who entered! Your comments seriously made my week.

Ashley

I’ve eaten this chickpea lentil salad 3 times in the past two days. I’ve found myself wandering to the fridge and forking leftover bites into my mouth, just like I would if cookies were sitting, taunting me on the counter.

But this is salad, not cookies, so I'm all about keeping this stocked in my kitchen 24/7.

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

So what is it about this salad that makes me keep coming back for more?

TEXTURE! I used a mix of creamy and crunchy textures and the chew factor alone has me hooked. Then there’s the salt component. Feta and olives both add the perfect amount of salt and a bit of tang.

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

Then it’s the crisp and zesty baby greens (I used Kale Italia, my favorite blend from Earthbound Farm) that weave through the other ingredients without taking over. I just love the mix of earthy, peppery, and bitter flavors in that greens mix.

Lastly, the dressing! This is going to be my new staple salad dressing. It’s tangy, savory, and just mildly sweet. The shallot adds just the right amount of oniony, garlic flavor without overwhelming.

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

I even think the salad haters will love this recipe.

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

I’ve included a few tips after the recipe if you want to pack this salad for weekday lunches.

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

Tag your salads (and any other recipes of mine that you make!) on instagram: #edibleperspective

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

Print Recipe!

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette

gluten-free, vegan option yields 2-4 servings

for the dressing:

1/4 cup minced shallot
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon stone ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

for the salad:

1 large chopped avocado
1 lemon
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (rinsed + drained)
3/4 cup cooked black lentils (rinsed + drained)
1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
3-4oz goat or sheep’s milk feta (omit if vegan + add chopped, sun-dried tomatoes instead)
2-3 handfuls zesty baby greens (I used Kale Italia)
sat + pepper

Place all dressing ingredients in a jar. Seal and shake vigorously until well combined. Let sit for at least 10 minutes. Taste and adjust to your taste buds. For more acidity, add more vinegar, etc.

After chopping the avocado toss with a bit of lemon juice (to help prevent browning). In a large mixing bowl combine all salad ingredients together. Pour about half the dressing overtop and toss with salad tongs or a large fork and spoon to thoroughly coat. Top with a big squeeze of lemon and salt + pepper. Taste and adjust if needed. Serve immediately.

Lunch packing method: Combine all salad ingredients except for the greens in a storage container. Toss with dressing. Add greens on top and close the lid. Once ready to eat, shake to the combine the greens. This will help keep them crisp. The avocado may brown slightly if preparing ahead of time.

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

Pass the fork.

Ashley

psst!

Winner of Gina's book giveaway, HIIT It! is: Jamie K

Winner of the illustrated print giveaway from Task & Tool is: Christina (from, The Beautiful Balance)

Congrats! I will be emailing you both very soon!