Nutmeg 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 turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger before hitting a hot oven, so the edges turn deep golden and the whole kitchen smells incredible. A creamy tahini-lemon dressing — thinned to a silky, pourable consistency with a little water — ties everything together with a nutty, citrusy punch that plays beautifully against the sweetness of the squash and the tartness of the pomegranate. Every single spice in this recipe is clearly listed and intentional, which means you never have to second-guess whether a warming blend is hiding something you'd rather avoid. The whole thing comes together on one baking sheet and one bowl, making cleanup almost as satisfying as the eating. Serve it as a stunning starter, a light lunch, or a side dish that will absolutely upstage whatever else is on the table.
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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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