BHA & BHT Free Roasted Squash Salad with Pomegranate and Pepitas
Warm, spiced butternut squash tumbling over peppery arugula with jewel-bright pomegranate arils and crunchy pepitas — this salad is the kind of dish that makes people stop mid-bite and ask for the recipe. The squash gets tossed in turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger before roasting at high heat, so the edges caramelize into something deeply golden and fragrant. Every component here is a whole, recognizable ingredient, which means you're completely sidestepping the processed oils and packaged shortcuts where synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT tend to hide. The tahini dressing comes together with fresh lemon juice, real maple syrup, and a grated garlic clove — nothing from a bottle that requires a label check. Serving the squash warm straight from the oven over the cool greens creates a gorgeous contrast in both temperature and texture. It works equally well as a stunning starter or a satisfying main, and the pomegranate arils add a little burst of tartness that ties the whole thing together beautifully.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the roasted squash
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lb), peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 2–3 tbsp water, to thin
- ¼ tsp salt
For the salad
- 5 oz baby arugula
- ¾ cup pomegranate arils (from about ½ medium pomegranate)
- ⅓ cup dry-roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, toss the squash cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.
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