Chestnut Free Roasted Squash Salad with Pomegranate and Pepitas
Warm, spiced butternut squash tumbled 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 roasted at high heat until the edges caramelize into deep golden brown, while turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger give it a warmly aromatic quality that feels almost festive. A creamy tahini-lemon dressing ties everything together with a bright, nutty tang that balances the sweetness of the squash and the maple syrup perfectly. Every single ingredient here is naturally free from tree nuts, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden additions that sometimes sneak into store-bought dressings and spice blends. The whole thing comes together on one baking sheet and one bowl, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying the results. It works equally well as a stunning starter or a satisfying main, and the contrast of warm squash against cool greens makes every forkful genuinely exciting.
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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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