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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prep Oven: Position rack in upper third of oven at 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Squash Preparation: Cut delicata squash into uniform cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper for even roasting and seasoning.
- Herbed Coating: Create a crisp coating by combining breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs, moistening with olive oil to form a clumpy texture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Salad Assembly: Layer massaged kale on serving platter, top with roasted squash croutons, toasted nuts, and parmesan shavings.
- 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