This is a total copycat recipe of the Harvest Moon Salad from McMenamin’s Pub in Portland, Oregon.

I happened upon this salad while attending Book Club this fall. Whenever I dine out, I usually try to get a meal that I cannot make at home. Salads are hardly ever included on this list. Yet, when I saw the ingredients list of goat cheese, candied pecans, a maple dressing & butternut squash; I had to try it!

Well, wow! This Harvest Moon Salad is delicious I spent all week thinking of it & much like the New Seasons Coastal Kale Salad, I couldn’t get it out of my head until I recreated it at home. I ordered it again & started my investigation.

Butternut Squash, Candied Pecans, Maple Dressing & More

First, there’s butternut squash. It’s a no brainer that it’s roasted. Easy enough, you can find my favorite butternut squash recipe here.

Next, I had to mimic the candied pecans. While this Harvest Moon Salad is tasty without the pecans, the crunchy & sugary nut really adds something special. After multiple failed attempts, I perfected the Candied Pecans & you can find the recipe here. Yes, the recipe makes a whole batch. you’ll have to trust me, but not a single one will go to waste. They are too delicious.

The final part of my investigation is to create the Maple Stout Vinaigrette. Well, I hardly ever have beer on hand, so I opted for this Maple Balsalmic Vinaigrette & honestly, it’s my new favorite dressing. My word of advice is to use real maple syrup. I know it’s more expensive, but the flavor is so much better.

There you have it! The Harvest Moon Salad is complete. I’ve eaten this salad consistently over this fall & winter & I haven’t tired of it yet. It’s filling, flavorful & a great way to showcase butternut squash. I hope you enjoy it!

5 from 2 votes