Delicata Squash Salad

🥗 Delicata Squash Salad with Persimmons & Pomegranate Dijon Vinaigrette

This roasted delicata squash salad is a seasonal favorite that’s perfect for fall and winter! Roasted delicata squash, sweet persimmons, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and a tangy pomegranate-Dijon vinaigrette come together for a salad that’s colorful, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re adding it to your holiday table or enjoying it as a weeknight side, this delicata squash salad is sure to impress. Its combination of roasted vegetables and bright seasonal fruit makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.

Easy to prepare and full of fall flavors, it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is simple enough to make any day of the week. It’s the kind of fall squash salad that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, cozy dinners, or as a healthy holiday side.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Delicata Squash Salad

• Seasonal flavors: Roasted delicata squash and persimmons capture the best of fall.
• Easy to prepare: Thin-skinned Delicata squash makes prep quick and simple.
• Bright and colorful: Pomegranate seeds and persimmons add gorgeous pops of color.
• Balanced flavors & textures: Sweet, savory, crunchy, and tangy in every bite.
• Versatile: Perfect as a holiday side, Thanksgiving salad, or a weeknight meal.

📝 Delicata Squash Salad Ingredients & Notes

For the Salad

• Delicata squash – Thin-skinned and naturally sweet; perfect for roasting.
• Olive oil – Adds richness and helps roast the squash.
• Maple syrup – Adds a touch of natural sweetness.
• Sea salt & cinnamon – Enhance the squash’s natural flavor.
• Pumpkin seeds – Toasted for nutty crunch.
• Lacinato kale – A sturdy green that pairs beautifully with roasted squash and fruit; massaging softens it.
• Fuyu persimmons – Sweet, firm, and perfect for slicing raw.
• Pomegranate seeds – Add color, tartness, and crunch.

For the Pomegranate Dijon Vinaigrette

• Olive oil – Forms the base of the vinaigrette for richness.
• Balsamic vinegar – Adds tang and depth of flavor.
• Pomegranate molasses – Gives a sweet-tart flavor.
• Dijon mustard – Adds subtle tang and emulsifies the dressing.
• Shallot – Adds mild onion flavor.
• Salt & black pepper – Enhance and balance the flavors.

🔥 How to Make This Delicata Squash Salad

1. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Prepare the squash: Toss sliced delicata squash with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Roast until tender and lightly caramelized, flipping halfway through. Add pumpkin seeds in the last few minutes to toast.
4. Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pomegranate molasses, Dijon mustard, shallot, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
5. Massage the kale: Toss shredded kale with the vinaigrette using your hands to soften the leaves.
6. Assemble the salad: Top the dressed kale with roasted squash, persimmon slices, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pumpkin seeds.