Capsaicin Free Roasted Squash Salad with Pomegranate and Pepitas
Warm, golden squash meets peppery arugula, jewel-bright pomegranate arils, and crunchy pepitas in a salad that feels genuinely celebratory without requiring much effort. The butternut is tossed with turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger before roasting at high heat, so the edges caramelize beautifully and the whole kitchen smells incredible. Every single one of those warming spices delivers bold, complex flavor without a trace of chili heat — making this a dish that people who are sensitive to capsaicin can enjoy freely and without second-guessing the spice blend. The creamy tahini dressing, brightened with fresh lemon juice and just a touch of maple syrup, ties everything together in a way that feels far more sophisticated than the short ingredient list suggests. Serving it while the squash is still warm over the cool greens creates a lovely contrast in both temperature and texture. This is the kind of salad that converts skeptics — the ones who think salad can't be a satisfying meal — in a single bite.
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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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