Autumn Delicata Squash Salad with sweet and spicy roasted squash, crisp greens, avocado, and pomegranate tossed in a lively maple-mustard dressing. Enjoy this beautiful, nutritious salad as a side dish or the main event. 
Why You'll Love this Delicata Squash Salad:
This is the definition of a salad that satisfies. Between its range of lively flavors and textures, it feels special enough to grace a holiday table (Thanksgiving squash salad anyone?).
It's also extremely versatile - you can add, omit, or switch out basically any of the ingredients to fit your preferences.
The star, of course, is the roasted delicata squash, which lends creamy, caramelized goodness to a bed of greens.
Also in the mix of finely chopped kale greens, creamy avocado, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and bursts of juicy pomegranate seeds. If you're not a fan of kale, you can use romaine, arugula, or mixed greens instead.
I also love adding a sharp, salty cheese such as goat, feta, or cotija. Alternatively, white cheddar or Parmesan are also delicious options.
What is Delicata Squash:
Of all the winter squash varieties, delicata, with its oblong shape and beautiful green striations, is the easiest to work with. Nicknamed the “sweet potato squash,” it has a sweet, velvety flesh that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It's so low maintenance that it doesn't even require peeling.
The roasted skin actually adds welcomed texture to the final product.
Delicata squash is also much smaller than most winter squash varieties. It also tends to have a richer flavor and creamier consistency. The best time to cook it and enjoy it is early fall - perfect timing for this salad!
How to Cook Delicata Squash:
One of my favorite things about delicata squash is how easy it is to prepare. This roasting method only takes about 30 minutes, start to finish.
- First, Cut the Squash: Because you can eat the skin, there’s no need to peel the squash before you chop it. Start by slicing it in half lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and stringy flesh.
- Next, slice the squash halves into thick half moon slices.
- Season the Squash: This is where the versatility lies. Delicata squash pairs well with just about any spice combo. I love using a mix of sweet and spicy flavor agents, such as maple syrup, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. A pinch of cinnamon is also delicious!
- Roast the Delicata Squash: Once the squash is oiled and seasoned, spread it on a rimmed baking sheet, avoiding any overlap. Roast the squash at 425ºF for 25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Serving Suggestions:
The beauty of this salad is that it can be enjoyed as a side dish or the main event. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
- Roasted Turkey or Chicken: The perfect Thanksgiving side dish to cut through the richness of the usual casserole contenders.
- Vegan Meatloaf: For plant-based diners, this salad is a wonderful compliment to my famous vegan meatloaf recipe.
- Pasta: For freshness and crunch, enjoy alongside a bowl of Creamy Red Pepper Pasta or Chicken Florentine Pasta.
- Soup: You can't beat a soup + salad combo this time of year. Try my EASY Pasta e Ceci (Italian Chickpea and Pasta Soup) for a warming, nourishing meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:
- Make-Ahead: The dressing can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance. Just give it a good shake before dressing the salad.
- You can also slice and season the squash up to 1 day ahead.
- Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The kale is hearty enough to handle being dressed in advance without wilting.
More Winter Squash Recipes to Try:
Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Quinoa Power Bowls with Maple-Chipotle Squash - reader favorite!
Butternut Squash and Poblano Salad with Feta
If you give this recipe a try, be sure to snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth on Instagram so I can see your creations. Also, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!
Autumn Delicata Squash Salad
Equipment
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb. delicata squash
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- ½ tsp. chili powder
- ½ tsp. hot or smoked paprika
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 small shallot, very thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 bunch lacinato kale, stems and ribs removed, chopped (sub mixed greens, baby kale, or romaine)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced or cubed
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese, feta, or cotija
- ¼ cup pomegranate arils
Creamy Maple-Mustard Dressing
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. tahini
- 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425ºF.Sliced squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and stringy flesh. Slice the squash halves crosswise into ½-inch thick half moons.In a large bowl, combine olive oil, maple syrup, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and cinnamon; whisk to combine. Add squash slices and toss well to coat.Arrange squash on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, tossing once halfway through. During the final 5 minutes, scatter pumpkin seeds on baking sheet. Toss with squash to allow the spices to coat seeds.
- While the squash roasts, place shallots in a small bowl and toss with apple cider vinegar. Let sit until ready to assemble salad (at least 25 minutes).
- Prepare Creamy Maple-Mustard Dressing by combining all dressing ingredients in a jar with a fitted lid or bowl. Shake, or whisk well to combine. Set aside.
- Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Add 1 to 2 Tbsp. dressing and gently massage dressing into kale leaves just long enough so they soften (about 15 seconds).Transfer kale to a large serving platter and top with roasted squash and pumpkin seeds, avocado, goat cheese, and pomegranate. Drain vinegar from shallots, and scatter pickled shallots overtop. Drizzle salad with remaining dressing.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: The dressing can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance. Just give it a good shake before dressing the salad.
- You can also slice and season the squash up to 1 day ahead.
- Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The kale is hearty enough to handle being dressed in advance without wilting.
Nutrition
Sarah S
I made this for a Friendsgiving and everyone RAVED about the salad. People all wanted seconds and the word “phenomenal” was used more than once. Many of my friends and strangers requested the recipe!! It was such a hit! Loved it! I can’t wait to make this again soon.
Jamie Vespa
Oh Sarah I’m so thrilled to hear that!! Thank you so much for coming back and leaving a review!
Lindsay
This is THE BEST salad. I’ve made it 3 times
Now. The dressing is EVERYTHING!
Jamie Vespa
YAY! Oh I'm so glad you love it, Lindsay! Thank you for leaving a review!
jane
Perfect! Thank you fo this.
Kelly
Oh my stars was delicious! I can see it on the Thanksgiving table. Forget the Turkey!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Kelly! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review!
Tara
this recipe is great! The sauce on the squash before roasting is awesome.
Adjustments - Made with spinach since we didn’t have kale on hand and just sprinkled roasted sunflower seeds on top instead of the pumpkin seeds. Still amazing!
Jamie Vespa
Yay! I'm so glad it was a hit, Tara! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Amy C.
I could eat this every night! It is that good!!
Janice Levy
This is so much more than ‘just a salad’! I made it again yesterday for Thanksgiving and it’s wonderful to prep the parts all ahead and assemble day of. The dressing is delicious too! The quick pickled shallots are perfect. Delicata is one of my faves to roast and I did that ahead too. Slightly warmed them in the microwave and then onto the kale. The spice mix for the squash and seeds is everything though! I double the seeds and use some as garnish on my butternut squash soup. I love your flavors and recipes!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Janice - I'm so thrilled you enjoyed the salad! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! Cheers.
Kim
This salad is easy to make, tastes great and is beautiful on the plate! I don’t like kale so I used spinach and didn’t have pomegranate so I used water soaked dried cranberries.
Jamie Vespa
Hi Kim - I'm so thrilled you enjoyed the salad! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! Cheers.
Jennifer
Just wondering if this is served room temp? Does the squash become less appealing if roasted earlier in the day (or the day before) and thrown together for dinner later? Trying to think of something that would travel well to a Christmas dinner.
dishingouthealth
Hi Jennifer—I actually do typically serve it room temperature. The squash can certainly be roasted in advance and added to the salad right before serving. Enjoy!
Laura
Pomegranates are my all time favorite fruit! We always buy the boxes of giant poms from Costco and eat them lightening fast! This dish looks so elegant and delicious!
dishingouthealth
Thank you, Laura!! Ah that's amazing - I don't buy them often enough. They're just as pretty as they are tasty!