Description
This vibrant Autumn Delicata Squash Salad is a perfect celebration of fall harvest flavors. It features tender, roasted delicata squash tossed with massaged kale, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and a crunchy pop of pomegranate arils. Finished with a zesty maple-tahini dressing, this dish balances sweet, spicy, salty, and acidic notes. It is a nourishing, elegant, and versatile salad that works just as well for a busy weeknight dinner as it does for a sophisticated holiday gathering.
Ingredients
1 lb. delicata squash, washed and sliced into half-moons
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
4 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
1 avocado, diced
1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup pomegranate arils
2 Tbsp. tahini
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the delicata squash slices with olive oil, half of the maple syrup, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cinnamon.
Spread the squash on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
While the squash roasts, place the chopped kale in a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt; massage with your hands until the leaves soften.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and tahini to create the dressing.
Add the roasted squash, shallots, pumpkin seeds, diced avocado, and pomegranate arils to the kale.
Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat.
Top with crumbled goat cheese before serving.
Notes
The delicata squash skin is edible and does not need to be peeled. You can roast the squash and prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance for easier assembly. If you prefer a different crunch, toasted walnuts or pecans also work well in place of pumpkin seeds.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Seasonal American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg