Autumn Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash
Stability Nutrition
PROFESSIONAL NUTRITION AND WELLNESS COACHING FOR WOMEN
Nourish & Thrive: Healthy Recipes & Tips for a Vibrant Life
Autumn Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash
September 27, 2023 | Delicious Dinners, Healthy Recipes, Nourishing Lunches, Satisfying SaladsImmerse yourself in the flavors of fall with our Autumnal Salad! Sweet roasted delicata squash, crunchy almonds, and tart dried cranberries combine to create a nutritious and flavorful dish, that perfectly captures the essence of the season.
Hello Stability Nutrition Friends!
Happy Wednesday! Autumn is working its magic, transforming the landscape into a spectacle of color, and offering a bounty of nutritious and flavorful produce. It's the perfect time to experiment with recipes that combine seasonal comfort with healthy eating. Today, we are excited to bring you a recipe that is a true celebration of the season , our Autumn Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash.
Why is this salad a nutritional gem?
The Star Ingredient:
Delicata squash, with its sweet flavor and rich texture is a treasure trove of nutrients. It is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. When roasted, the squash develops a caramelized sweetness and golden color that beautifully complements the vibrant ensemble of ingredients in this salad. Did you know the skin is edible, and becomes tender when roasted? It makes the prep that much easier!
Antioxidant-rich mixed greens:
The variety of greens provides a spectrum of antioxidants essential for fighting oxidative stress and inflammation.
Balanced & Flavorful Dressing:
Our Apple Cider Vinaigrette, with its delightful blend of tang and sweetness, enhances the nutritional profile of the salad. The addition of apple cider vinegar not only adds flavor, but also provides antioxidants and promotes intestinal health, which are both essential for boosting the immune system. It makes every bite a step toward total wellness!
Make it a Meal:
Consider adding cooked or crispy chickpeas, grilled or baked tofu, or roasted chicken breast to make this dish even more hearty and satisfying.
Tailored to your taste:
Feel free to add your personal touch! Consider substituting toasted pumpkin seeds for the almonds or add your favorite protein on top.
The dressing is tangy- if you prefer a sweeter dressing add a bit more honey.
Storage and meal preparation tips:
This salad is best eaten fresh to enjoy its crispness and flavor, however if you'd like to make it ahead, store the roasted squash, lettuce, nuts, and dressing separately to maintain freshness and texture until serving.
Autumn Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash
Author: Elisa | Stability Nutrition
Servings: 4 large salads
Ingredients:
2 medium delicata squash, sliced in half longwise, de-seeded, then sliced into half moons, about ½ inch thick
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 cups mixed lettuces (baby kale, spinach, baby lettuces, and arugula all work well)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (apple juice sweetened), or regular dried cranberries
1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
Cooked or crispy chickpeas, baked tofu, or roasted chicken breast for optional toppings.
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tbsp honey (or 1 1/2 tbsp if you prefer a sweeter dressing), or sub maple syrup
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove minced garlic
1/8 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice your delicata squash in half longwise, de-seed, then sliced into half moons, about ½ inch thick. No need to peel as the skin is edible. Use a sharp knife and please be careful!
In a medium bowl, toss the delicata squash rings with olive oil, and a little salt and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast the squash in the preheated oven, at 400°, for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden and tender, flipping over at the 15 or 20 minute mark.
While the squash is roasting, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds.
Once the squash is done cooking, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, add the roasted squash rings to the salad.
Drizzle the salad with the apple cider vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Place on 4 plates, top with optional protein, and serve.
Enjoy!
Food is so much more than just sustenance. It's about celebrating flavors, nourishing our bodies, and creating beautiful memories with our loved ones.
I hope you give this recipe a try! As always, I'd love to see your creations and hear your feedback. Follow us on instagram @stabilitynutrition, and post your photos of our recipe with the hashtag #stabilitynutrition.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more great healthy recipes and wellness articles.
Happy cooking, friends!
If you're curious about nutrition coaching, have any questions, or would like to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, please feel free to reach out to us. We genuinely care about your health and wellness. We'd love to hear from you!