Roasted Acorn Squash Salad Recipe

Today, I want to share with you a delicious recipe for Acorn Squash Salad. This delightful dish is perfect for those looking to add a healthy and flavorful option to their meal repertoire. With the combination of fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to impress!

Acorn Squash Salad with Pomegranate & Walnuts

The star of this salad is the roasted acorn squash. Its tender flesh pairs perfectly with the sweetness of pomegranate seeds and the crunch of walnuts. The flavors blend together harmoniously to create a salad that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 1 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• For the dressing:
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the acorn squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the squash, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and caramelized.
5. Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly.
6. While the squash is cooling, prepare the dressing by whisking together the maple syrup, tahini, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
7. Once the squash has cooled, slice it into thin wedges.
8. In a large bowl, toss the mixed salad greens with the dressing until well coated.
9. Transfer the dressed greens to a serving platter and arrange the sliced acorn squash on top.
10. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds and chopped walnuts over the salad.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Prepare:

This Acorn Squash Salad is a breeze to prepare. Simply follow the instructions below:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
2. Halve the acorn squash and remove the seeds.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the cut sides of the squash and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the squash halves on the baking sheet, cut side up, and roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.
5. While the squash is roasting, prepare the dressing by whisking together the maple syrup, tahini, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Once the squash is caramelized and fork-tender, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
7. Slice the cooled squash into thin wedges.
8. In a large bowl, toss the mixed salad greens with the dressing until well coated.
9. Transfer the dressed greens to a serving platter and arrange the sliced acorn squash on top.
10. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds and chopped walnuts over the salad.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for this Acorn Squash Salad is approximately 15 minutes, with an additional 40-45 minutes for baking the squash.

Servings:

This recipe serves 4 as a side dish or 2 as a main course.

Nutrition Facts:

Here is the approximate nutritional information for one serving of Acorn Squash Salad:

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 4g

Tips:

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this Acorn Squash Salad:

• Choose acorn squash that is firm and heavy for its size.
• For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey over the salad before serving.
• Add grilled chicken or tofu to make this salad a complete meal.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this salad in advance?

A: While the acorn squash is best served fresh, you can prepare the dressing and wash the salad greens ahead of time to save time.

Q: Can I use a different type of squash for this salad?

A: Yes, you can substitute butternut squash or delicata squash for the acorn squash if desired.

Q: Can I omit the walnuts if I have a nut allergy?

A: Of course! Feel free to omit the walnuts or substitute them with a different type of nut or seed.

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious Acorn Squash Salad with Pomegranate & Walnuts. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals and impress your family and friends at the same time. Bon appétit!