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Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons

Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons

This Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons combines seasonal ingredients for a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper or foil
  • medium bowl
  • Large bowl

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 bunch kale destemmed & shredded or finely chopped (about 3 cups chopped)
  • 1 large shallot thinly sliced
  • ½ lemon juice
  • delicata squash croutons
  • cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts
  • cup shaved parmesan
  • cup Caesar dressing of choice

Squash Croutons Ingredients

  • 1 medium delicata squash deseeded & sliced into ½-inch cubes (roughly 1 pound)
  • 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 to season
  • ground black pepper to season

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, ensuring an oven rack is positioned in the top third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set aside. Gather and prep ingredients according to the Ingredients List.

Prepare the Squash

  • Place the cubed delicata on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil, seasoning with salt and ground black pepper. Toss to combine and arrange in an even, flat layer. In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs. Drizzle remaining olive oil over top and toss to combine. Sprinkle the mixture over the seasoned delicata squash, pressing to adhere.

Roast the Squash Croutons

  • Transfer to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, until the squash is tender and the parmesan crust is golden brown. In the last 3-4 minutes of roasting, add the pine nuts or chopped walnuts to toast. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Massage the Kale

  • Place the shredded or finely chopped kale in a large bowl, topping with the thinly sliced shallots and a pinch of salt. Squeeze the lemon juice over top and use your hands to massage the kale, working the lemon into the leaves until they’re vibrant green and wilty. Set aside.

Assembly

  • To the massaged kale, add the squash croutons, toasted nuts, and shaved parmesan. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over top and toss to combine. Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Delicata squash is tender enough to eat; peeling is not required. For a vegetarian version, omit the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives. Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1saladCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Autumn Caesar Salad, easy salad, fall salad, holiday salad, Roasted Delicata Squash, Vegetarian Salad
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