MSG Free Roasted Squash Salad with Pomegranate and Pepitas
This salad is a showstopper — warm, spiced butternut squash tumbled over peppery arugula, finished with jewel-bright pomegranate arils, crunchy pepitas, and a silky tahini dressing that ties everything together beautifully. The spice blend of turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger gives the roasted squash deep, caramelized edges and a fragrance that fills the kitchen the moment it hits the oven. Every single component here is whole and unprocessed, so you never have to second-guess a label or wonder what's lurking in a seasoning packet. The dressing comes together with just tahini, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, olive oil, and a little grated garlic — nothing powdered, nothing packaged, nothing questionable. That kind of from-scratch simplicity is exactly what makes this recipe so satisfying to cook, not just to eat. It works equally well as a stunning starter or a light main, and the contrast of warm squash against cool greens makes every bite feel intentional and fresh.
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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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