On a foundation of lettuce greens, the bitter flavors of radicchio contrast with sweet, caramelized winter squash in this recipe for Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad.
“Later Samuel and Adam walked down the oak-shadowed road to the entrance of the draw where they could look out at the Salinas Valley. Will you stay to dinner? Adam asked.”
East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Inspiration
Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad would be a fabulous addition to any holiday gathering. On a foundation of lettuce greens, bitter flavors of radicchio contrast with sweet, caramelized Delicata roasted with fresh thyme. Tangy feta and sherry dressing add a pop of flavor and let the sweet Delicata dance in this lush fall salad. Pomegranate arils deliver color and crunchy texture in the Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad.
When the avalanche of winter squash hits the market I search for ways to incorporate them into our dinners without going carb heavy. Adding chubby slices of roasted Delicata to salad for dinner means we can have our favorite winter carbs and a big green salad too. If you haven’t tried Delicata squash, this salad is a good place to start. With Delicata, there is no peeling because the outer rind can be eaten and its fast cooking too. Added bonus, one squash is a perfect size for two generous servings. How about sherry wine vinegar? I use it more than balsamic, the other ingredients have more space, flavors are bright and shiny. Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad is sweet and tangy, bitter and crunchy, salty, and just a fabulous way to salad for dinner.
Essentials
This Epicurious recipe was the starting point for Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad, a stellar fall salad that has been in our weekly dinner rotation since winter squash season arrived. The original recipe was all radicchio and a salad dressing of all vinegar, just too intensely flavored. Combining lettuce greens with radicchio and making a proper dressing makes for a more pleasing salad. This recipe for Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad makes a generous salad for two or a side dish for four, just scale up for more servings.
| Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad | |
| 1 | Delicata squash |
| 1T | olive oil |
| 1T | thyme leaves |
| 1/8t | fine grain sea salt |
| 1 small head | lettuce |
| 8 large leaves | radicchio |
| 3T | feta cheese, crumbled, sliced or small cubes |
| 1T | thinly sliced red onion |
| 1T | pomegranate arils |
| Salad Dressing with Sherry Wine Vinegar | |
| 1T | sherry wine vinegar |
| 2T | olive oil |
| 2t | maple syrup or honey |
| 1/8t | fine grain sea salt |
- Heat the oven to 400°. Slice the Delicata squash into rings that are 1/2” thick. Scoop out the seeds with a small spoon or melon baller. Cut the rings in half. Pour the olive oil in the center of a large sheet pan and add the squash and thyme leaves. Turn the squash so that both cut sides are coated with olive oil. Add a bit more oil if needed. Spread the squash out in a single layer and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 15 minutes. Turn the squash and roast for another five minutes. When done the squash should be easily pierced with a fork and have caramelized edges that are golden brown. Roasting time will depend on the thickness of the squash rings. Remove from the oven and cool for ten minutes before finishing the salad.
- While the squash is roasting and cooling prepare the salad dressing. In a large bowl that will accommodate the entire salad make the dressing. Add the sherry wine vinegar and slowly whisk in the olive oil. Then whisk in the maple syrup or honey and salt.
- While the squash roasts and cools, tear the cleaned lettuce and radicchio into bite size pieces and add to the bowl with the dressing. Add most of the feta and red onion, saving some to garnish the finished salad. Toss the salad to coat everything with the dressing. Add the cooled squash and gently toss again. Plate the salad individually or on a serving platter, arranging the squash on top of the lettuce and radicchio. Sprinkle the salad with the reserved feta and onion. Sprinkle the pomegranate arils on top. Scoop the remaining dressing from the bowl across the top of the salad. Alternately, the dressing can be drizzled over the salad or even served on the side.
Your second photo looks like a wonderful still life painting. I know I would really enjoy your salad.
Thank you Karen! (I like that photo too!)
Sorry, Deb, I missed this one. Great looking salad and your first photo is amazing. We don’t see delicata squash over this way, would butternut work or maybe roasted sweet potatoes?
Roasted butternut would also work in this recipe Ron. Thank you for commenting!
Perfect photos and perfect dish to add to our Christmas table !Thank you dear Deb !
Thank you for the delicious comment 2Pots!
What a fun combo of ingredients! Neat way to use pomegranate. This looks incredibly flavorful, and looks terrific. Thanks!
Thank you John!
This is a perfect mix of flavors and colors! I’m hoping I can still get some delicata squash a the farm stand this week. The season ends in a flash here.
Thank you Lisa! We Can find Delicata at the grocery stores here in California.
Have been adding lots of feta and pomegranate to salads this month but never would have thought of using squash of any kind. Your salad looks fabulous with the delicata squash, something else I’ve never made. 🙂 Great salad!
Thank you MJ!
I’ve never had Delicata squash. What’s it like?
Hi Jeff! Delicata is similar to other winter squashed, like Acorn Squash in taste. It’s sweeter and yellow in color.
Hello Deb, a friend of mine just recommended me to have a look at your recipes and I must say I am loving it. I have always loved greens! Thanks for sharing this special salad recipe. Would try this super soon!
Thank you for the generous comment Asmita!
Such a beautiful, autumnal salad that’s perfect for Thanksgiving!
Thank you Laura!
Such a beautiful, seasonal salad. I love all of the colors and combination of flavors. This could steal the show at a holiday feast. And I love the photos of the Liquid Amber tree leaves and seedpods. We have several in our neighborhood, and they’re the only trees that show a shift in the season here in LA.
Thank you Valentina! Yes! Our neighborhood (and front yard) is full of Liquid Amber leaves and pods. Happy Thanksgiving!
This is my kind of salad Deb. I like the changes you made to the recipe. Your photos are stunning!
Thank you Gerlinde! Happy Thanksgiving!
This salad looks delicious. I have not had the delicata squash, so I will have to check the farmer’s market for this. I look forward to trying this!! Thanks Deb.
Thank you Mindy! I hope you try the recipe. Happy Thanksgiving!
One of the most beautiful Fall salads ever. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving, Deb!
Thank you Denise! Happy Thanksgiving!
Love, Love, delicata squash! A salad is the perfect foil for it’s tender, caramelized flesh. I’m a fan!
Thank you Mary! Happy Thanksgiving!