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Easy Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Pomegranate

roasted delicata squash salad - featured image

A delightful fall salad featuring caramelized delicata squash, tart pomegranate seeds, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy maple-tahini dressing. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 ounces baby arugula
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup toasted pepitas

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash the delicata squash well. Cut off both ends, slice in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Slice each half into half-moon shapes about 1/2-inch thick.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the squash slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes on the sheet pan.
  5. While the squash roasts, combine tahini, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, warm water, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until smooth.
  6. In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pepitas for 2-3 minutes, shaking frequently, until they start to pop and smell nutty. Remove from heat.
  7. In a large salad bowl, add the arugula. Drizzle about half the dressing over the greens and toss gently. Add the roasted squash, pomegranate seeds, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pepitas. Drizzle remaining dressing over the top and toss gently.
  8. Serve immediately while the squash is still warm.

Notes

Don’t skip flipping the squash halfway through roasting for even caramelization. Cut squash evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Toast pepitas fresh for best flavor. Serve immediately with warm squash for the best texture contrast. The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted delicata squash salad, fall salad, pomegranate salad, maple tahini dressing, easy salad recipe, holiday salad, gluten-free salad