Winter is almost here and big salad for dinner might sound a bit out of season. However,  I’ve tossed together a fabulous entrée salad for Litehouse Foods that will have you crawling out of hibernation during the calendar’s cooler months. My Ranch Winter Panzanella with Chicken is inspired by bread salad renowned in the Tuscan region of Italy that most often features sun-ripened tomatoes, lettuce and basil drizzled with a vinaigrette. However, my sweater-weather version of this signature seasonal course includes chicken breast along with roasted winter vegetables caramelized to sweet, earthy perfection — and finished with a creamy Greek yogurt ranch dressing. Baby Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, red onions and spinach are all in the mix, but swap out or add to the robust medley with any favorite ingredient — most root vegetable will win raves.

Roasting vegetables is super easy. Coarsely chop up potatoes, squash, onions, Brussels sprouts, carrots or whatever hearty veggies you love and top with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of sea salt. Roast for 30 minutes in a 400 F degree oven, stirring halfway through.

Mmm, you don’t want to miss the full recipe for this salad. Visit the blog at Litehouse Foods for all the delicious details.

Ranch Winter Panzanella with Chicken

Ingredients

• ½ loaf (about 8 ounces) day-old French or Sourdough or Rustic bread (cut into 1” cubes)*
• 4 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 4 Tbsp dried Italian Herb Blend (divided)
• 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt (divided)
• 1 10-oz package frozen cubed butternut squash
• 1 lb fresh baby Brussels sprouts (halved)
• 1 large red onion (peeled and cut into 1” chunks)
• 1 lb pre-cooked chicken breast (cut into large chunks)
• 1 cup packed fresh spinach leaves
• ½ cup Greek-yogurt based or light Ranch Dressing