Roasted delicata squash salad combines sweet, caramelized squash with fresh greens, crunchy toppings, and a simple maple Dijon dressing. It’s a colorful fall salad that works well as a side dish or light lunch.
Why This Recipe Works
Delicata squash becomes tender and lightly caramelized when roasted, while fresh greens add a crisp contrast. The combination of maple, Dijon, and apple cider vinegar creates a balanced sweet and tangy dressing.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 medium delicata squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 6 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
How to Make Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
1. Prepare the Squash
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Wash the delicata squash, slice it into rounds, and remove the seeds. There is no need to peel delicata squash because the skin becomes tender when roasted.
2. Roast the Squash
Arrange the squash slices on a baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden around the edges.
3. Make the Dressing
Whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Assemble the Salad
Place the mixed greens in a large bowl. Add the roasted delicata squash, pecans, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and red onion.
5. Dress and Serve
Drizzle the maple Dijon dressing over the salad and gently toss. Serve immediately while the squash is warm.
Tips for the Best Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
- Choose firm delicata squash without soft spots.
- Cut the squash into evenly sized slices for even roasting.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet so the squash can caramelize properly.
- Toast the pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh.
Final Thoughts
This roasted delicata squash salad is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy seasonal fall produce. Sweet roasted squash, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and tangy maple Dijon dressing make every bite delicious.
