Description
A vibrant and fresh Delicata Squash & Arugula Salad featuring roasted delicata squash, peppery arugula, sweet pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, crunchy pistachios, tangy feta cheese, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. This colorful salad combines roasted and fresh ingredients for a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal as a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Delicata Squash
- 4 medium delicata squash (about 2½ lbs total), sliced and seeded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 8 heaping cups baby arugula
- 2 cups pomegranate arils
- â…” cup dried cranberries
- â…” cup raw pistachios
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 6–8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 8 tablespoons (½ cup) olive oil
- 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast the Squash: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the sliced delicata squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until evenly coated. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is golden brown and tender.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby arugula, pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, raw pistachios, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 8 tablespoons olive oil, 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the roasted delicata squash and crumbled feta cheese to the large bowl with the arugula mixture. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all components well without breaking up the squash.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness, or chill it briefly for about 10 minutes before serving to meld the flavors. Enjoy as a light meal or a fresh side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute raw pistachios with toasted walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- If pomegranate arils are unavailable, red grapes can be used as a juicy alternative.
- For a vegan option, omit feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
- Roasted delicata squash can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to save time on serving day.
- Adjust honey amount in the vinaigrette for more or less sweetness according to preference.
