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Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons

Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons

A vibrant Autumn Caesar Salad featuring roasted delicata squash croutons, kale, and toasted nuts.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • oven
  • baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • medium bowl
  • large bowl

Ingredients
  

Salad Base

  • 1 bunch kale destemmed & shredded or finely chopped
  • 1 large shallot thinly sliced
  • ½ lemon juice
  • cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts
  • cup shaved parmesan
  • cup Caesar dressing of choice

Squash Croutons

  • 1 medium delicata squash roughly 1 pound, deseeded & sliced into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan
  • 1 clove garlic finely chopped or grated
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped hardy fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, or thyme
  • kosher salt to season
  • ground black pepper to season

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, ensuring an oven rack is positioned in the top third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean up & set aside. Gather & prep ingredients according to Ingredients List.
  • Place the cubed delicata on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil, seasoning with a good pinch salt & ground black pepper as desired. Toss to combine, then arrange in an even, flat layer.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, & fresh herbs. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over top, then toss to combine well. Sprinkle the parmesan coating over the seasoned delicata squash, pressing to adhere.
  • Transfer to the oven & roast 20-25 minutes, until the squash is tender & the parmesan crust is golden brown. In the last 3-4 minutes of roasting, add the pine nuts or chopped walnuts to the sheet pan to toast. Remove from oven & set aside.
  • Place the shredded kale in a large bowl, topping with the thinly sliced shallots & a good pinch of salt. Squeeze the lemon juice over top and massage the kale, working the lemon into the leaves until they’re vibrant green & wilty. Set aside.
  • To the massaged kale, add the squash croutons, toasted nuts, & shaved parmesan. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over top, then toss to combine well. Taste & season with additional salt & ground black pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

For variations, substitute delicata squash with butternut squash. Can add protein like chicken or sausage for a heartier meal. Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1saladCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Autumn salad, Caesar Salad, Delicata squash, fall recipes, healthy salad, vegetarian salad
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