Go Back
–+ servings
5 from 12 reviews Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons

5 from 12 reviews Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons

This Autumn Caesar Salad features massaged kale, roasted delicata squash croutons, and seasonal flavors, making it a perfect dish for fall gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • mixing bowl
  • knife
  • cutting board

Ingredients
  

Salad Base

  • 1 bunch kale destemmed & shredded or finely chopped
  • 1 large shallot thinly sliced
  • ½ lemon lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts
  • ⅓ cup shaved parmesan
  • ⅓ 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 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 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Prepare ingredients by cleaning and chopping the squash, destemming and shredding the kale.
  • Place cubed delicata on the baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, and herbs in a bowl, drizzle with remaining oil, and toss.
  • Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over the seasoned delicata squash.

Roasting Squash Croutons

  • Roast the squash croutons for 20-25 minutes, adding pine nuts or walnuts in the last 3-4 minutes.

Massaging Kale

  • In a large bowl, massage the kale with sliced shallots, a pinch of salt, and lemon juice until vibrant and wilted.

Assembly

  • To the kale, add the roasted squash croutons, toasted nuts, and shaved parmesan. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss well.
  • Season with additional salt and pepper as needed and serve immediately.

Notes

Delicata squash is naturally sweet, requiring no peeling. For a vegetarian version, omit the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg
Keyword autumn salad, Caesar salad, delicata squash, Fall Recipes, healthy, Vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!