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    Recipes » Salad Recipes

    Delicata Squash Salad

    Published: Feb 11, 2021 by Marissa Stevens · 34 Comments

    Vegetarian

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Like Chicken Ballotine, this Delicata Squash Salad recipe is another Keith discovery. In fact, he made both for me on the same night. Yes, I am a VERY lucky girl.

    pouring dressing over delicata squash salad

    The second time we had it, we decided to riff on the original recipe by Melissa Clark (one of our favorite recipe resources), swapping in maple syrup for honey, plain yogurt for buttermilk, walnuts for pecans and smoked paprika for chili powder. Both ways were delicious, but I’ll have to give the nod to maple syrup over honey.

    What is Delicata Squash?

    If you're new to delicata squash, this is a great way to introduce yourself. It's absolutely my favorite winter squash. In fact, most of the time, we roast it and eat it plain; it's so sweet it needs nothing: no salt, no sugar, no butter - nada. However, it dresses up beautifully. (It's excellent filled with goodies in this Stuffed Delicata Squash, in this medley of Roasted Fall Vegetables, and in this Delicata Squash Soup.)

    Roasting it with maple syrup, smoky paprika and salt gives it incredible depth and complexity. Then tossing it with peppery arugula, bitter-crisp radicchio, buttery toasted walnuts and creamy, tarragon-kissed dressing, well...no need to imagine, try it instead!

    FAQ

    Is it OK to eat the skin of delicata squash?

    Roasted delicata squash, the skin is not only edible, it's richly flavorful. For soup , steaming, and stir fry recipes, you may prefer to peel the squash.

    Are delicata and acorn squash the same?

    Though delicata squash and acorn squash are both cultivated from the Cucurbita pepo species, they are not the same. Other names for delicata squash are sweet potato squash, Bohemian squash and peanut squash.

    What is delicata squash good for?

    Delicata squash is excellent to eat on it's own, but also works beautifully for soups, salads, and more. 

    What to Serve Alongside

    • Chicken Ballotine
    • Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops
    • Pan Fried Lamb Chops
    • Grilled Chicken Thighs
    • Cod Fish Cakes or Crab Cakes

    More Fantastic Salads

    • Radicchio Salad
    • Mexican Chopped Salad
    • Little Gem Salad
    pouring dressing over Delicata Squash Salad

    Delicata Squash Salad with Creamy Tarragon Dressing

    Marissa Stevens
    Savory, salty, bitter, peppery, sweet - this salad has it all. Every bite is deliciously different! adapted slightly from this recipe by Melissa Clark.
    5 from 5 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 390 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 medium delicata squashes
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt divided
    • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
    • ⅓ cup plain full-fat yogurt
    • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoons finely chopped tarragon
    • 1 small clove garlic minced
    • 1 small head radicchio cored and thinly sliced
    • 5 ounces arugula
    • ⅓ cup toasted walnuts chopped
    • 2 green onions thinly sliced crosswise
    • salt and freshly ground black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400°F.
    • Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Cut one delicata squash in half lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds and slice into ½-inch half-moons. Repeat with remaining squash.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, ¾ teaspoon salt, smoked paprika and 2 tablespoons olive oil, add squash slices and toss to coat evenly. Transfer to prepared baking sheet, spreading into a nearly single layer. Roast, tossing occasionally, until tender and golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. (Don't roast so long that the squash lose their shape.)
    • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, tarragon, remaining ¾ teaspoon salt and garlic. In a steady stream, whisk in remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil; whisk until emulsified.
    • In a large bowl, combine radicchio, arugula, squash, walnuts and green onions. Pour in dressing and toss to coat; season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 6gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 912mgPotassium: 1181mgFiber: 5gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 4121IUVitamin C: 39mgCalcium: 188mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword date night, dinner party, gluten free, healthy
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Salad Recipes

    • One bite of Cauliflower Potato Salad on a fork from a white serving bowl photographed at an angle.
      Cauliflower Potato Salad
    • Ahi Tuna Salad served in a black bowl and photographed from the top.
      Ahi Tuna Salad
    • Sesame Ginger Dressing served in a small glass jar with a golden spoon.
      Sesame Ginger Dressing
    • Radicchio Salad on a white salad plate photographed from the top.
      Radicchio Salad

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. mimi rippee says

      March 22, 2021 at 9:12 am

      this is gorgeous! I’ve never used this squash for a salad, but I will now! I just planted seeds for Delicata yesterday. Last year none came up, but I’ve had good luck before, so fingers crossed. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        March 22, 2021 at 9:13 am

        Thank you, Mimi! Hoping you'll have a big crop of delicata!

        Reply
    2. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      February 14, 2021 at 6:56 am

      5 stars
      Wow! This salad sounds like it has so much flavor Marissa! That creamy tarragon dressing sounds divine. On my list of recipes to try ASAP!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        February 15, 2021 at 9:00 am

        I love to hear that, Mary Ann! Thank you.

        Reply
    3. Katerina | Once a Foodie says

      February 14, 2021 at 1:53 am

      5 stars
      This combination of flavours sounds crazy delicious, Marissa, you're a very lucky girl indeed! Happy Valentine's Day.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        February 15, 2021 at 9:00 am

        Thank you, Katerina! Happy Valentine's Day!

        Reply
    4. Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man! says

      February 13, 2021 at 7:27 am

      I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for delicata squash!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        February 15, 2021 at 8:59 am

        It's so good, Jeff!

        Reply
    5. David @ Spiced says

      February 12, 2021 at 4:15 am

      5 stars
      I've yet to play around with delicata squash, although I have seen it fairly regularly in our stores. This salad sounds fantastic - the flavors and textures are right up my alley for a fun and healthy winter side dish. I'll have to put delicata on the list for the next grocery run!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        February 12, 2021 at 2:43 pm

        Thank you! Promise you'll pick some up, David. It's really so sweet and delicious.

        Reply
    6. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

      February 11, 2021 at 7:18 pm

      5 stars
      You are one lucky girl, Marissa! I need to get Etienne to read this post (haha). This salad is absolutely lovely!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        February 12, 2021 at 2:44 pm

        aww...thanks, Katherine! I sure am. And so are you with your beautiful family. xo

        Reply
    7. KevinIsCooking says

      December 18, 2015 at 10:44 am

      What a beauty! Never heard of this beautiful Delicata Squash and this indeed would be a great first introduction. Go Keith and hooray of maple syrup! That first photo is fantastic too BTW. 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        December 19, 2015 at 7:52 am

        Thanks so much, Kevin!

        Reply
    8. Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says

      December 18, 2015 at 6:14 am

      This salad is such a beauty and I agree 100% - delicata squash is absolutely the best! Roasted is my favorite way to go with it too. We recently had a guest over and I made a salad with roasted delicata for her on the first night she arrived...not only did she request it for another meal, but she asked for the recipe! I think it's high up on everyone's list, and for such good reason. And I am also with you on maple syrup! 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 18, 2015 at 9:45 am

        I love it! I think for most people, it just takes one try to fall in love with delicata squash. Thanks, sweet friend!

        Reply
    9. Mon Petit Four (@byMonPetitFour) says

      December 17, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      I love delicata squash - soooo good! This is such a great way to utilize it. And I'm with you on the maple syrup - I love it in a nice salad dressing like this! You are definitely one lucky gal, but Keith is really lucky too! 😉 <3

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 18, 2015 at 9:46 am

        Thank you, Beeta!

        Reply
    10. Sabrina says

      December 17, 2015 at 7:38 pm

      What a lovely salad! The combination sounds wonderful!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        December 18, 2015 at 2:47 pm

        Thank you, Sabrina!

        Reply
    11. Mira says

      December 17, 2015 at 3:12 pm

      Looks beautiful! So fresh, colorful and I'm sure delicious! Will definitely try it! Love the photo!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 17, 2015 at 3:50 pm

        Thank you so much, Mira!

        Reply
    12. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

      December 16, 2015 at 3:02 pm

      I'm going to have to look it up to see if we can get delicata squash in winter. It sounds like the perfect kind of squash to eat. And yum to this creamy dressing! 😀

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 17, 2015 at 3:52 pm

        Thanks, Lorraine. It's definitely a dressing that would work on many different salads - love that little licorice (tarragon) kiss!

        Reply
    13. Helen @ Scrummy Lane says

      December 16, 2015 at 11:10 am

      Yes, you ARE a lucky girl! This is a stunning recipe with stunning photos to match.

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 17, 2015 at 3:52 pm

        Thank you, Helen! xo

        Reply
    14. Shawn @ I Wash You Dry says

      December 14, 2015 at 3:17 pm

      This looks so fresh and delicious! I need to make more delicata squash in my life.

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 17, 2015 at 3:52 pm

        You and me too! 🙂

        Reply
    15. HapaNomNom says

      December 13, 2015 at 10:33 pm

      Oh, Marissa! This looks and sounds wonderful! I couldn't agree more about the incredible combo of squash, maple syrup, and paprika (sometimes I use a pinch of cayenne.) Arugula - favorite green. Raddiichio - love it for the bitter component. Tarragon dressing - fabulous licorice flavorings. Together create a wonderful balance of flavor. Beautifully done!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 14, 2015 at 10:00 am

        oooh, I like how you think - a little pinch of cayenne would be a great addition...thanks, Kathleen! xo

        Reply
      • Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

        February 11, 2021 at 11:08 am

        5 stars
        Well, Keith is making my husband look bad, that's for sure!! Lol! It's so sweet that he cooked not one, but TWO delicious dishes for you! I absolutely love delicata squash and if it's in a salad, even better!! I love all the ingredients you used and that Creamy Tarragon Dressing sounds like the perfect finishing touch! This beauty will be happening in my kitchen soon... now if I could only convince my husband to make it for me. 😉

        Reply
        • Marissa Stevens says

          February 12, 2021 at 2:45 pm

          aww...I bet he'd be happy to, Cheyanne! xo

          Reply
    16. Dorothy Dunton says

      December 13, 2015 at 6:15 pm

      Hi Marissa! This, along with the chicken and your wonderful husband makes YOU one lucky gal! Of course, he is a pretty lucky guy to have you! You swapped yogurt for the buttermilk, but in the body of the recipe you said to add the "buttermilk" dressing - which do you prefer? I am definitely making this and the chicken soon! 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 14, 2015 at 10:01 am

        So sweet, Dorothy, thank you! And I must have had buttermilk on the brain - it should just say 'dressing', or 'yogurt dressing' - though buttermilk works well too - so whatever you prefer or have on hand. 🙂

        Reply

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