Crispy Butternut Squash Spinach Salad with Bacon-Shallot Vinaigrette

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Arrange butternut squash on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast until golden brown and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, fry bacon over medium heat until crisp, turning occasionally, about 6 minutes total. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and discard all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease. In the same skillet, sauté shallot over medium-high heat until tender, 4 minutes. Stir in red wine vinegar and brown sugar and mix well. Whisk in 2 more tablespoons bacon grease and season with salt and pepper. Place spinach in a large bowl. Add pecans and roasted butternut squash and pour over warm vinaigrette, tossing gently to combine. Serve immediately.