Description
A vibrant autumn salad featuring caramelized roasted pumpkin, creamy feta, crunchy greens, and a zesty dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light main course, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines warm and fresh flavors for a delicious and healthy meal option.
Ingredients
Roasted Pumpkin
- 4 cups pumpkin, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or walnuts
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries (optional)
Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the pumpkin.
- Prepare Pumpkin: Toss the pumpkin cubes with olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast Pumpkin: Roast the pumpkin for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cubes are tender and caramelized with slight browning edges.
- Make Dressing: While the pumpkin roasts, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Assemble Salad: Arrange the mixed salad greens on a large platter or bowl. Top with the warm roasted pumpkin, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds (or walnuts), and dried cranberries if using.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
Notes
- You can substitute butternut squash for pumpkin if it’s not available.
- For additional protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- This salad is best served slightly warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor of the roasted pumpkin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
