How do I keep the texture toddler-friendly?

Keep pieces or spoonfuls small, avoid overcooking, and serve with a soft side if the texture feels dry or sticky for your child's chewing stage.

Can ingredients be swapped for allergies?

Yes. Use safe substitutes for your child's needs and check labels for common cross-contact risks before serving.

What should I serve with it?

Pair it with a protein, soft fruit, or cooked vegetable to make the snack or meal more balanced for little appetites.

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Healthy Snacks

Festive Butternut Squash and Chestnut Salad with Sage Dressing

Name: Festive Butternut Squash and Chestnut Salad with Sage Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 medium (about 600g) butternut squash; 150g cooked chestnuts; 2 tsp olive oil; 6 leaves fresh sage leaves; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 1/2 tsp maple syrup; a pinch salt; a pinch ground black pepper; 50g baby spinach leaves

By TinyTummyTreats Test KitchenReviewed by TinyTummyTreats Editorial TeamPublished May 4, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026

International 40 mins nutritiouseasy-to-makevegetarian toddler mealsdairy-free optionsnut-free recipesvegetable-basedsoft-texturebalanced-nutritionallergy-friendlyquick-preplunchbox-friendlymake-aheadhealthy snacksfinger-food-friendlybudget-friendlyseasonalfestive

A soft-textured, allergy-friendly butternut squash and chestnut salad dressed with a gentle sage vinaigrette. Nutritious, dairy-free, nut-free (with substitutions), and perfect for toddlers’ finger food, this festive salad is a healthy snack or lunchbox idea for picky eaters.

Festive Butternut Squash and Chestnut Salad with Sage Dressing

Prep 15 min

Cook 25 min

Total 40 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine International

Ingredients

Servings 4

1 medium (about 600g) butternut squash
150g cooked chestnuts
2 tsp olive oil
6 leaves fresh sage leaves
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp maple syrup
a pinch salt
a pinch ground black pepper
50g baby spinach leaves

Festive Butternut Squash Chestnut Salad Sage Dressing ingredients image for TinyTummyTreats

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C (390 degrees F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Toss the diced butternut squash with a small drizzle of olive oil and spread evenly on the baking tray.
Roast the squash for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until soft and slightly caramelized, perfect for soft finger food.
While the squash roasts, prepare the sage dressing by whisking together 2 teaspoons olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, finely chopped sage leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper if using.
In a large bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, chopped chestnuts, and baby spinach.
Pour the sage dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
Allow the salad to cool to room temperature before serving to toddlers.
For make-ahead convenience, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve cold or at room temperature for a quick, nutritious snack or lunchbox addition.

Festive Butternut Squash Chestnut Salad Sage Dressing process image for TinyTummyTreats

Tips

Allergy Safety for Little Tummies

Allergy Information: This recipe contains chestnuts, which are tree nuts. If your toddler is allergic to tree nuts, please substitute or omit chestnuts to keep this a nut-free meal. Substitution options to maintain allergy-friendly status: Chestnuts: Replace with roasted sweet potato cubes or cooked chickpeas as nut-free, protein-packed substitutes with similar texture.

Texture and Mouthfeel for Toddlers

This Festive Butternut Squash and Chestnut Salad is ideal for toddlers 12 months and older , specifically designed to support developing oral motor skills required for soft, bite-sized finger foods. It’s perfect for self-feeding and encourages independence. 12 to 18 months: Serve the salad with butternut squash and chestnut pieces cut into small, soft bites to minimize choking risk.

Feeding, Portioning, and Sharing Notes

Safe Serving Sizes and Tips for Toddlers For toddlers 12 to 24 months, offer about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per serving of this soft-textured Festive Butternut Squash and Chestnut Salad . The bite-sized pieces foster easy self-feeding and finger-food development. Choking Hazard Prevention Piece Size: Dice all ingredients into small, manageable bites suitable for your toddler’s chewing ability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Festive Butternut Squash and Chestnut Salad with Sage Dressing ahead?: Yes. Prepare the recipe ahead, cool it completely, and store portions airtight so they are ready for quick toddler snacks or meals.
How do I keep the texture toddler-friendly?: Keep pieces or spoonfuls small, avoid overcooking, and serve with a soft side if the texture feels dry or sticky for your child's chewing stage.
Can ingredients be swapped for allergies?: Yes. Use safe substitutes for your child's needs and check labels for common cross-contact risks before serving.
What should I serve with it?: Pair it with a protein, soft fruit, or cooked vegetable to make the snack or meal more balanced for little appetites.

Ingredient Replacements

medium (about 600g) butternut squash: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
g cooked chestnuts: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
tsp olive oil: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
leaves fresh sage leaves: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
tsp apple cider vinegar: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.

Storage

Cool Festive Butternut Squash and Chestnut Salad with Sage Dressing completely, then store portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze extras when practical, thaw before serving, and reheat gently only when a warmer, softer bite is helpful.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Festive Butternut Squash and Chestnut Salad with Sage Dressing

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