Preheat the oven to 200°C (top-bottom). Peel the pumpkin with a wide-bladed knife, cut it in half, remove the seeds with a spoon, and cut the flesh into cubes about 2 cm on each side (equal pieces bake evenly). Toss the chopped pumpkin into a large bowl.
Description
A colorful, seasonal salad that combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the crunch of red cabbage and pumpkin seeds, and the fresh tartness of pomegranate and lemon. A light, creamy tahini-based dressing with olive oil enhances the nutty notes of the squash and gives the salad a velvety texture. This quick dish is perfect for winter lunches, friendly gatherings, or as an impressive addition to the holiday table — it looks very striking due to the contrast of orange pieces of squash, ruby-red pomegranate pearls, and the greens of the salad. A dish rich in vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats; it can be easily modified (e.g., adding goat cheese or honey as an option).
Ingredients Used
Ingredients (14)
- Salad mix (arugula and baby spinach) 150 g
- Red cabbage (finely shredded) 120 g
- Pomegranate seeds 120 g
- Red onion (thin feathers) 60 g
- Roasted pumpkin seeds 50 g
- Tahini (sesame paste) 60 g
- Lemon juice 30 ml
- Butternut squash 600 g
- Apple 1.1 szt. (~200 g)
- Olive oil 30 ml
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Salt 2 g
- Black pepper 2 szczypty (~1 g)
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Goat cheese (crumbled, optional) 80 g
- Honey 20 ml
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Preparation steps
Baking pumpkin
In a bowl with the pumpkin, add 15 g of olive oil, 1 g of salt (from the used portion of salt), and gently mix so that the oil coats the pieces. Spread the pumpkin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer with small gaps between the pieces.
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the pumpkin for 20-25 minutes. After about 12 minutes, check by flipping a few pieces with a spatula — the outer layer should be slightly browned, and you can check the softness by inserting a fork (the fork should go in easily).
Preparation of ingredients
While the pumpkin is baking, prepare the remaining ingredients: finely shred the red cabbage with a knife or mandoline (if using), wash the apple and cut it into thin slices or quarters, removing the core, and slice the red onion into thin half-moons. Cut the pomegranate in half and knock out the seeds with a spoon or gently scoop them out by hand over a bowl.
Roasting pumpkin seeds
In a medium-sized dry skillet, heat it over medium heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or shaking the skillet, until they start to sizzle and darken slightly — be careful not to burn them.
Dressing
In a medium bowl, add 60 g of tahini, 30 ml of lemon juice, and 15 g of olive oil. Whisk vigorously with a whisk or spoon until a smooth, silky sauce forms. If the mixture is too thick, add 5 ml of cold water at a time until you achieve a consistency similar to pouring cream (it should coat the back of a spoon but not be very watery). Season with 1 g of pepper and 1 g of salt to taste. If you want a sweeter version, add 20 g of honey and mix until dissolved.
Assembling the salad
In a large salad bowl, first arrange the mixed greens (150 g), then place the shredded red cabbage (120 g) and apple slices (200 g) on the sides. In the center, add the roasted pumpkin (the entire contents of the baking tray). Top with red onion petals (60 g) and pomegranate seeds (120 g). Sprinkle everything with cooled roasted pumpkin seeds (50 g).
Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad with a spoon or in a thin stream, spreading it so as not to soak the leaves in places. Gently but thoroughly mix the salad with a large spoon and fork or salad tongs — toss vigorously but briefly (about 10–15 seconds) to combine the ingredients without wilting the leaves.
Finishing and options
If using, crumble 80 g of goat cheese on top (optional). Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnishing with an extra handful of pomegranate seeds for visual effect.
Serving
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or divide it among four plates. Serve immediately — best at room temperature, so the roasted pumpkin is slightly warm and contrasts with the cool leaves and pomegranate.
Fun Fact
Butternut squash comes from North America and, thanks to its creamy texture, pairs wonderfully with oriental sesame pastes like tahini — this combination brings together two different continents in one bowl.
Best for
Tips
Serve the salad immediately after preparation, while the pumpkin is still slightly warm — this enhances the aroma. For decoration, add a few whole pumpkin seeds and a few pomegranate seeds directly on top. If you want a protein version, you can add grilled chicken breast or roasted tofu to the salad.
If there are leftovers, store the dressing separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad (without dressing) can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours in an airtight container; after adding the dressing, the leaves will soften. Reheat the pumpkin separately in the oven at 150°C for 6-8 minutes to restore its lightness (do not add the dressing before reheating).
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