Looking for a way to embrace the flavors of fall while keeping your meals fresh and exciting? The Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons is here to save the day! Perfect for busy professionals or families seeking nutritious yet delightful dishes, this salad promises a satisfying bite.
This Autumn Caesar Salad captivates with its vibrant colors and rich flavor combinations. Imagine crisp kale, nutty roasted delicata squash croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing coming together to create a deliciously refreshing salad that is also hearty enough for any lunch or dinner. The crunch of the croutons paired with the tender kale and the savory flavors of garlic and herbs make this dish stand out.
State the Benefits
There are plenty of reasons to dive into this delightful salad:
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in a snap, making it perfect for hectic weeknight dinners.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Utilizing fresh ingredients like delicata squash and kale helps you embrace the flavors of autumn.
- Simple Yet Elegant: This dish is perfect for impressing guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Packed with nutritious ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep or family gatherings
- Easily customizable for different diets
Ingredients for Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons
For the Salad:
- 1 bunch kale, destemmed & shredded or finely chopped (about 3 cups chopped)
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
- ½ lemon, juiced
- Delicata squash croutons (see below)
- ⅓ cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts
- ⅓ cup shaved parmesan
- ⅓ cup Caesar dressing of choice
For the Delicata Squash Croutons:
- 1 medium delicata squash (roughly 1 pound), deseeded & sliced into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped hardy fresh herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or thyme
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season
Step-by-Step Instructions of Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the delicata squash cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the squash for about 20-25 minutes until tender and golden, stirring halfway.
- Meanwhile, prepare the salad by placing the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and massage the kale for a couple of minutes until it softens.
- Add the sliced shallot, roasted delicata squash, nuts, shaved parmesan, and Caesar dressing to the kale, then toss everything together gently.
- For the croutons, combine panko breadcrumbs, remaining olive oil, grated parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Top the salad with the toasted panko croutons just before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Roast the squash until caramelized for the best flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for a bright taste that complements the Caesar dressing.
- Don’t skip massaging the kale; it really helps to tenderize it.
Substitutions & Variations of Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons
- To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Substitute Caesar dressing with a vegan option, skip the parmesan or use nutritional yeast, and ensure panko is gluten-free.
- Variations: Add roasted chickpeas for extra protein or tossed apples for a crunchy, sweet contrast with the savory elements.
Storage Instructions of Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep croutons separate to maintain their crunch.
- Freezer: While not recommended for freezing due to the salad’s fresh components, you can freeze leftover roasted delicata squash for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the squash and kale a day ahead. Toss everything together when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions of Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons
Can I use regular croutons instead of delicata squash? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite store-bought croutons.
How can I make it more filling? Add grilled chicken, tofu, or even quinoa for a heartier meal.
Is it suitable for kids? Yes! The sweet flavor of roasted delicata squash can please picky eaters.
Final Toughts
This Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons combines healthy greens with seasonal ingredients, making it a delicious choice for any meal. Embrace the flavors of fall and surprise your family or friends with this lovely dish. If you try making it, drop a comment or leave a star rating!
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Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons
A delightful Autumn Caesar Salad featuring roasted delicata squash croutons, perfect for embracing fall flavors with a nutritious twist.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale, destemmed & shredded (about 3 cups chopped)
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
- ½ lemon, juiced
- Delicata squash croutons (see below)
- ⅓ cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts
- ⅓ cup shaved parmesan
- ⅓ cup Caesar dressing of choice
- 1 medium delicata squash (roughly 1 pound), deseeded & sliced into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped hardy fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, or thyme)
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss delicata squash cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the squash for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and golden.
- Meanwhile, prepare the salad by placing the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and massage the kale for a couple of minutes until softened.
- Add sliced shallot, roasted delicata squash, nuts, shaved parmesan, and Caesar dressing to the kale, then toss gently.
- For the croutons, combine panko breadcrumbs, remaining olive oil, grated parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Top the salad with the toasted panko croutons just before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Roast squash until caramelized for best flavor. Use fresh herbs for a bright taste. Don’t skip massaging the kale to tenderize it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian