Recipes

Delicata Squash and Apple Salad

You know when you’re going to a friend’s house for dinner, and you volunteer to bring something?

I almost always offer to bring a salad, and this recipe is one of my go-to healthy potluck dishes.

I love taking healthy food to party. For one thing, I know that there will be at least one healthy thing for me to enjoy at the party. Secondly, I find that others appreciate having a healthy option, as well.

This salad goes well with my Maple Tahini Dressing. 

  • delicata squash and apple salad
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Serves 2 as a main, or 4 sides.

Ingredients

  • A batch of my Maple Tahini Dressing — see recipe link below
  • 2-4 delicata squash (plan for 1/2 a squash per person, or more if you want a heartier salad)
  • 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil (or another high-heat oil for roasting)
  • About 5 ounces of baby arugula (i.e., a small box)
  • 1 apple, cored and sliced thinly (keep the skin on)
  • 1/4 cup sour cherries, dried
  • 1 cup toasted pecans
  • an extra drizzle of balsamic vinegar

Directions

  • Step 1

    Prepare the Maple Tahini Dressing. See link below for the recipe.

  • Step 2

    For the squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F. To prep the squash, scrub with a vegetable brush under running water. Then, split each squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon or ice cream scoop.

  • Step 3

    Place the flat side of one of the squash down onto a cutting board and slice into ½ -inch rings — the best part about Delicata squash is that you can eat the skin!

  • Step 4

    Put the squash into a medium sized bowl and add the olive oil, salt and pepper. Use clean hands to toss the squash so each piece is coated. Transfer to a baking sheet (use parchment paper or a silpat for easy cleaning), then place in the oven for about 10 minutes.

  • Step 5

    After ten minutes, the squash should be nicely browned. Flip gently with a spatula and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes. When the squash is done, both sides will be golden brown and creamy inside. Remove from the oven and set aside.

  • Step 6

    For the salad: Place arugula into a large bowl. Pour a small amount of dressing — a tablespoon or so — over the greens and toss with tongs. The greens should be evenly coated, but not soggy. If the greens are still dry, add a little more dressing and toss again until the greens are evenly dressed.

  • Step 7

    To serve: divide the greens evenly onto plates. Divide the squash rings evenly and arrange on top of the greens. Garnish with sliced apple, sour cherries and pecan.

  • Step 8

    For added flavor, drizzle a teaspoon or two of balsamic vinegar over everything. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

Notes

 

Click here for the recipe for Maple Tahini Dressing.