Hazelnut Free Roasted Squash Salad with Pomegranate and Pepitas
Warm, caramelized butternut squash meets peppery arugula, jewel-bright pomegranate arils, and crunchy pepitas in a salad that feels genuinely celebratory without requiring much effort. The squash gets tossed in a fragrant blend of turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger before roasting at high heat until the edges turn deep golden brown — that caramelization is where all the magic happens. A creamy tahini-lemon dressing, loosened with a little water and balanced with maple syrup and fresh garlic, ties every element together in a way that feels rich but still light. Many store-bought salad kits and restaurant grain bowls sneak in tree nuts without much warning, so building this one from scratch gives you full control over every ingredient on the plate. Pepitas deliver that satisfying crunch and a boost of plant-based protein without any cross-contact concerns. The whole thing comes together on a single baking sheet plus one mixing bowl, making cleanup as easy as the cooking itself. Serve it warm straight from the oven or let the squash cool slightly — either way, it disappears fast.
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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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