Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers all the creamy, crunchy, and savory elements you love in a Caesar salad, with an elevated fall flavor profile. The roasted delicata squash croutons bring a sweet, nutty note, while the kale adds a hearty bite that holds up well even after dressing. It’s versatile enough for meal prep, elegant enough for holiday spreads, and nutritious enough to make you feel good about going back for seconds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 bunch kale, destemmed and finely chopped (about 3 cups)
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
½ lemon, juiced
Delicata squash croutons (see below)
⅓ cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts
⅓ cup shaved parmesan
⅓ cup Caesar dressing of choice

For the squash croutons:
1 medium delicata squash (about 1 pound), deseeded and cut into ½-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated parmesan
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
3 tablespoons finely chopped hardy fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, or thyme)
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F with a rack in the top third. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.

2. Place cubed delicata squash on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.

3. In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, and herbs. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, toss, and sprinkle over squash, pressing gently so it adheres.

4. Roast for 20–25 minutes, until squash is tender and topping is golden. In the last 3–4 minutes, add pine nuts or walnuts to the pan to toast. Remove and set aside.

5. While squash roasts, place kale and shallots in a large bowl with a pinch of salt. Squeeze lemon juice over top and massage with your hands until kale is tender and dark green.

6. Add roasted squash croutons, toasted nuts, and shaved parmesan to the kale. Drizzle with Caesar dressing, toss to combine, and season to taste. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves: 2–4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Swap delicata squash with butternut squash or sweet potato.

• Use romaine or a mix of greens for a lighter texture.

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.

• Replace parmesan with pecorino for a sharper flavor.

• Try a homemade Caesar dressing with anchovies for a classic touch.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If storing, keep components separate — kale, roasted squash, nuts, and dressing — in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The roasted squash can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness before assembling.

FAQs

1. How do I massage kale for salad?

Remove stems, chop the leaves, and rub them with lemon juice or dressing until softened and darker in color.

2. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, substitute vegan parmesan, use a dairy-free Caesar dressing, and ensure panko is vegan-friendly.

3. Can I roast the squash in advance?

Yes, roast the squash up to 2 days ahead and reheat before adding to the salad.

4. Do I need to peel delicata squash?

No, the skin is tender and edible once roasted.

5. Can I use store-bought croutons instead?

Yes, though you’ll lose the fall twist—regular croutons work fine in place of the squash.

6. What dressing works best?

A creamy Caesar dressing complements the flavors, but you can also try tahini-based or lemon-garlic dressings.

7. How do I keep nuts from burning while roasting?

Add them during the last few minutes of roasting instead of from the start.

8. Can I substitute the nuts?

Yes, use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

9. What’s the best way to slice delicata squash?

Cut lengthwise, scoop out seeds, then slice into half-moons or cubes.

10. Can I serve this warm?

Yes, toss the kale with freshly roasted squash and warm nuts for a cozy, slightly wilted salad.

Conclusion

This Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons is a celebration of seasonal ingredients and comforting textures. Whether you’re making it for a weekday dinner, prepping it for lunches, or showcasing it at a holiday table, it’s a vibrant, satisfying dish that brings a fall twist to a beloved classic. The combination of hearty kale, sweet roasted squash, and nutty parmesan will have you coming back for more.

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