Autumn Harvest Salad with Pomegranates and Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

Introduction

This Autumn Harvest Salad with Pomegranates is a delightful mix of roasted delicata squash, hearty farro, tangy goat cheese, and sweet pomegranate arils. It’s a perfect seasonal dish that combines vibrant flavors and textures for a refreshing, satisfying meal.

A brown round bowl filled with a colorful salad on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark green kale leaves spread evenly. On top, there are bright orange roasted pumpkin slices arranged around the bowl. Scattered over the pumpkin and kale are small white chunks of cheese, deep red pomegranate seeds, and small yellow pieces of diced fruit, possibly mango. The salad looks fresh and vibrant with a mix of soft and crunchy textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1-2 bunches kale (center ribs removed and torn into small pieces, about 6-8 cups)
  • 1 delicata squash (de-seeded and cut into half moons)
  • 1 cup cooked farro
  • 4 ounces soft goat cheese (chevre)
  • Arils from one pomegranate (about 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove (pressed or finely minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Step 2: Toss the sliced delicata squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Spread evenly on a lined baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes until golden and tender.
  3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl or jar, whisk together the remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the torn kale leaves, roasted squash, cooked farro, goat cheese pieces, and pomegranate arils. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Tips & Variations

  • Massage the kale lightly with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil before combining to soften its texture.
  • Swap farro with quinoa or barley for a different whole grain option.
  • Add toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving. Reheating is not necessary; serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a bowl filled with a colorful salad. At the bottom is a layer of chopped kale, dark green and curly. On top of this are slices of roasted orange pumpkin arranged in a circular pattern. Scattered over the salad are white pieces of cheese, likely feta, small cubes of yellow mango, and bright red pomegranate seeds, adding texture and color contrast. The bowl is white, and it sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, but delicata squash is preferred for its sweet, nutty flavor and tender skin. You can substitute with butternut or acorn squash, though cooking times may vary.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the kale from wilting, and the salad will stay fresh for a couple of days.

Print
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Autumn Harvest Salad with Pomegranates and Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Autumn Harvest Salad with Pomegranates is a vibrant and wholesome dish featuring roasted delicata squash, nutrient-packed kale, chewy farro, tangy goat cheese, and juicy pomegranate arils. Tossed in a zesty, smoky apple cider vinaigrette, it’s perfect as a light lunch or a festive side for fall gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1–2 bunches kale, center ribs removed and torn into small pieces (6–8 cups)
  • 1 delicata squash, de-seeded and cut into half moons
  • 1 cup cooked farro
  • 4 ounces soft goat cheese (chevre)
  • Arils from one pomegranate (about 1 cup)

For the Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, pressed or finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

For Roasting Squash

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for tossing squash)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for roasting the delicata squash, ensuring the squash cooks evenly and develops a golden color.
  2. Roast Squash: Toss the sliced delicata squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder until evenly coated. Spread on a lined baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until the squash is tender and slightly golden browned.
  3. Prepare Dressing: In a mixing bowl or jar, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 pressed or finely minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful and smoky vinaigrette.
  4. Combine Salad: In a large bowl, combine the torn kale leaves, roasted delicata squash, cooked farro, pieces of soft goat cheese, and pomegranate arils. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated without bruising the kale.

Notes

  • Remove the center ribs from kale to reduce toughness and make the salad more enjoyable.
  • Cook farro ahead of time and allow to cool before adding to the salad.
  • For extra flavor, massage the kale gently with a bit of the dressing before adding other ingredients.
  • Delicata squash skin is edible; roasting softens it nicely.
  • Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika amounts to taste depending on preferred spice level.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Autumn salad, Harvest salad, Pomegranate salad, Roasted delicata squash, Kale salad, Fall recipes, Healthy salad, Farro salad, Goat cheese salad

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