Crisp Fall Caesar Recipe: Roasted Delicata Squash Magic

Crisp autumn evenings call for a bowl of hearty, seasonal caesar salad with roasted delicata squash croutons that burst with flavor and warmth.

The sweet, caramelized edges of delicata squash add a delightful twist to the classic caesar.

Robust greens mingle with tangy dressing and golden, crunchy squash pieces that elevate every bite.

Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness and creates irresistible croutons that dance across the salad.

Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of creamy dressing complete this autumnal masterpiece.

Rich, satisfying, and packed with seasonal goodness, this salad transforms a simple side into a star attraction.

Dive into this comforting recipe and let the flavors of fall unfold on your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Autumn Caesar Salad with Delicata

• Delicata Squash: Sweet autumn veggie that transforms into crispy croutons, look for firm and unblemished squash with bright color.
• Olive Oil: Helps crisp up squash and adds rich flavor, choose extra virgin for best taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance natural squash sweetness, freshly ground provides maximum flavor impact.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates crunchy texture, use panko for extra crispy coating.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty punch, opt for freshly grated block cheese for most intense flavor.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth, select firm cloves without sprouts.
• Fresh Herbs: Brings bright, herbal notes, choose herbs like thyme or rosemary that complement autumn flavors.

• Kale: Hearty green packed with nutrients, choose crisp leaves without yellow edges.
• Shallots: Adds mild onion kick, select firm bulbs with smooth skin.
• Lemon: Provides bright acidity to soften kale, pick heavy, glossy fruits.
• Pine Nuts or Walnuts: Introduces rich, toasty crunch, ensure nuts are fresh and not rancid.
• Caesar Dressing: Creamy complement to roasted elements, homemade or high-quality store-bought works perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Final garnish for extra umami, shave directly from cheese block for best texture.

Kitchen Tools for Autumn Caesar Salad

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting squash and toasting nuts evenly.
• Parchment paper or foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Large bowl: Perfect for massaging kale and mixing salad ingredients.
• Medium bowl: Used for preparing breadcrumb mixture.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting delicata squash and shallots.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure olive oil and seasonings.
• Hands: Great for massaging kale and mixing ingredients.

How to Make Autumn Caesar Salad

• Squash Preparation

Slice delicata squash into bite-sized cubes and spread them across a baking sheet. Coat the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

• Crispy Herb Coating

Create a delightful herbal mixture using breadcrumbs, parmesan, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Drizzle with olive oil to help the coating stick to the squash pieces.

• Roasting Magic

Heat the oven to a toasty 425°F. Roast the squash until golden and crispy, about 20-25 minutes. Toss pine nuts or walnuts onto the pan during the last few minutes for a nutty crunch.

• Kale Transform

Grab your kale and give it some love. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle salt, then massage the leaves until they become soft and bright green. This technique makes kale tender and delicious.

• Salad Assembly

Combine the roasted squash croutons with the massaged kale. Scatter toasted nuts and shaved parmesan across the top. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss everything together. Add a final pinch of salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Fall Caesar Salad Tips and Add-Ons

• Enhance the salad's nutritional value by adding grilled chicken, crispy chickpeas, or sliced hard-boiled eggs for a more substantial meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
• Prepare roasted squash croutons and massaged kale up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in airtight containers to maintain crispness and freshness, making meal prep a breeze.
• Create your own signature Caesar dressing by experimenting with anchovy-free versions, using miso paste for umami, or adding roasted garlic for extra depth and complexity.
• Swap pine nuts or walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture that complements the roasted squash and provides a delightful nutty flavor without allergens.

Serving Fall Caesar Salad Creatively

• Autumn Harvest Plate: Showcase the salad on a rustic wooden board with scattered autumn leaves, highlighting the seasonal charm and making the dish feel like a cozy fall celebration.
• Hearty Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or seared salmon on top to transform this side dish into a substantial main course that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the earthy flavors with a crisp chardonnay or light pinot noir, enhancing the roasted squash and nutty undertones of the salad while creating a restaurant-worthy dining experience.
• Leftover Love: Store remaining salad components separately to maintain crispness, allowing quick assembly of fresh portions the next day and preventing soggy ingredients.

Store Autumn Caesar Salad Leftovers

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover salad components separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor. Keep roasted squash croutons, dressed kale, and nuts in individual airtight containers inside the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
• Advance Prep Magic: Prepare squash croutons and wash kale up to two days before serving. Store croutons in a sealed container at room temperature and refrigerate cleaned kale in a damp paper towel-lined bag to extend ingredient lifespan.
• Dressing Durability: Homemade Caesar dressing stays fresh for 5-7 days when sealed in a glass jar with a tight lid. Refrigerate immediately after preparation and give a quick shake before using to restore consistent texture.
• Reviving Wilted Salad: Refresh slightly droopy kale by placing leaves in ice-cold water for 2-3 minutes. Gently pat dry with clean kitchen towels, restoring crisp texture and ensuring a delightful salad experience even after initial preparation.

Crispy Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Seasonal caesar salad celebrates delicata squash’s crispy croutons, elevating classic greens with nutty, caramelized edges. Parmesan shavings and maple-kissed dressing invite you to savor fall’s rich, comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium delicata squash (about 1 pound), deseeded and cubed into ½-inch pieces
• 1 bunch kale, destemmed and finely chopped (about 3 cups)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, divided
• ¼ cup (60 ml) panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated parmesan
• ⅓ cup (40 g) pine nuts or chopped walnuts, toasted
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) caesar dressing of choice
• ⅓ cup (30 g) shaved parmesan
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or grated
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) finely chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, sage, or thyme)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep Oven: Position rack in upper third of oven at 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Squash Preparation: Cut delicata squash into uniform cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper for even roasting and seasoning.
3. Herbed Coating: Create a crisp coating by combining breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs, moistening with olive oil to form a clumpy texture.
4. Roasting Process: Spread squash cubes on baking sheet with space between pieces, top with herbed breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Add pine nuts or walnuts during final roasting minutes for toasting.
5. Kale Treatment: Tear kale into bite-sized pieces, add shallots, and massage with lemon juice and salt until leaves soften and brighten, breaking down tough fibers.
6. Salad Assembly: Layer massaged kale on serving platter, top with roasted squash croutons, toasted nuts, and parmesan shavings.
7. Finishing Touch: Drizzle caesar dressing evenly, gently toss to combine flavors, season with additional salt and black pepper. Serve immediately to maintain warmth and crispness.

Notes

• Squash Sizing Matters: Cut cubes uniformly to ensure even roasting and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Massage Technique Transforms: Gently work lemon juice and salt into kale leaves to soften tough fibers and enhance flavor absorption.
• Crouton Coating Secrets: Press herbed breadcrumb mixture firmly onto squash to create a crispy, flavorful exterior that elevates the salad.
• Timing is Critical: Add nuts during the final roasting minutes to prevent burning while achieving a perfect light toast.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 10mg