Description
A beautiful fall salad featuring roasted pumpkin, juicy pears, peppery arugula, toasted pecans, creamy feta, and a maple balsamic vinaigrette. This roast pumpkin pear salad offers a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, perfect as a light meal or a festive holiday side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups pumpkin, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 5 cups baby arugula
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup toasted pecans
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Maple Balsamic Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the pumpkin.
- Toss the pumpkin: In a bowl, combine the peeled and cubed pumpkin with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Roast the pumpkin: Spread the pumpkin cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until the pumpkin is tender and lightly caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and salt and black pepper to taste, until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: On a large serving platter, arrange the 5 cups of baby arugula as a base. Top evenly with the warm roasted pumpkin, sliced pears, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries for texture and flavor contrast.
- Dress and serve: Drizzle the maple balsamic dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and vibrant. Toss gently if desired and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Butternut squash can be used as an excellent substitute for pumpkin.
- Goat cheese is a flavorful alternative to feta cheese.
- Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
