Description
This Autumn Arugula Salad with Caramelized Squash, Spiced Pecans, and Pomegranate Ginger Vinaigrette is a vibrant fall salad featuring peppery arugula, creamy avocado, caramelized squash, crunchy pecans, fresh cucumber, and juicy pomegranate arils. Tossed in a tangy pomegranate ginger vinaigrette, it’s festive, flavorful, and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Salad:
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 acorn squash, sliced into ½-inch rounds, seeds removed
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons brown sugar (optional, for caramelization)
½ cup whole pecans, chopped
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
6 cups baby arugula
1 avocado, sliced
1 pomegranate, arils removed
1 seedless cucumber, sliced
Pomegranate Ginger Vinaigrette:
⅓ cup pomegranate juice
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 garlic clove, freshly grated
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
⅓ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with coconut oil. Season squash slices with salt and pepper, then cook for 5 minutes per side until golden. For extra caramelization, sprinkle with brown sugar while cooking. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, toast pecans for 5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Toss with pumpkin pie spice and let cool.
- In a large salad bowl, add arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper. Top with avocado, pomegranate arils, cucumber, spiced pecans, and caramelized squash pieces.
- Whisk together pomegranate juice, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
- Drizzle salad with vinaigrette, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap acorn squash for butternut, delicata, or sweet potatoes.
- Add crumbled goat cheese or feta for creaminess.
- Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
- Mix in roasted beets for added sweetness and color.
- Replace arugula with spinach or mixed greens for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 recipe)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
