1. Preheat the oven to 425 F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel and slice about 1/2 butternut squash into 1/2″ pieces, enough to get about 2 cups. Toss the sliced squash in 1 tbsp of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Spread the squash onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast the squash for 10 minutes; while the squash is roasting, combine the cranberries with the maple syrup and remaining tbsp of olive oil. Remove the squash from the oven, flip with a spatula, and scatter the cranberries throughout the squash onto the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet back into the oven for another 5-6 minutes, or until the cranberries and squash are tender. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, quinoa and goat cheese. Set aside.
3. Make the candied pecans: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, water, vanilla extract and salt. In a skillet on the stove over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3-4 minutes or until just starting to become fragrant. Add the sugar mixture to the skillet and stir continuously, until the sauce thickens and begins to stick to the pecans. There should be hardly any liquid remaining in the skillet before you remove it the heat. Immediately scatter the pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
4. Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients until thoroughly combined. Add the cooled pecans, butternut squash and cranberries to the salad, then slowly pour the vinaigrette over everything. Start with half the dressing, before tossing and testing. Add more dressing as desired. Enjoy immediately!

Pre-dressed leftover salad will store in the fridge for 1-2 days; undressed salad will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.