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Delicata Squash Salad with Shaved Fennel, Smoked Sea Salt & Citrus Vinaigrette


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  • Author: Caitlin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

An elegant fall salad featuring roasted delicata squash, crisp shaved fennel, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pepitas, all tied together with a citrus vinaigrette. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any autumn meal.


Ingredients

Scale

SQUASH AND SALAD

  • 2 medium delicata squash, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2 inch rings
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (blood orange is recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small fennel bulb, thinly shaved
  • 4 cups arugula or mixed greens
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds / pepitas (toasted until fragrant in butter oil)
  • shaved Parmesan or pecorino to garnish

CITRUS VINAIGRETTE

  • 3 tablespoons Lemon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon citrus balsamic (suh as Cranberry Pear)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • pinch of sea salt + black pepper


Instructions

  1. Roast the Squash : Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss delicata rings with olive oil, smoked sea salt, and black pepper. Spread into a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and tender.
  2. Prepare the Vinaigrette : In a small bowl, whisk together lemon olive oil, citrus balsamic, Dijon, honey, orange juice, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust and add more balsamic for sweetness or lemon for brightness.
  3. Assemble the Salad : Layer arugula on a serving platter. Arrange roasted squash, shaved fennel, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
  4. Dress & Finish : Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Finish with a sprinkle of smoked sea salt and shaved Parmesan or pecorino if using.

Notes

  • Use a mandoline for the thinnest, most delicate fennel slices.
  • Add extra smoked sea salt at the end to enhance the squash’s natural sweetness.
  • To make this heartier, add quinoa before dressing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Holiday Sides
  • Method: Roasting + Assembly
  • Cuisine: American, Seasonal