Fall Harvest Salad with Roasted Pumpkin and Lamb's Lettuce
Elevate your fall dining experience with this stunning Fall Harvest Salad. Featuring tender roasted pumpkin or winter squash, this dish presents a delightful contrast of warm and cool textures, perfect as a starter for your autumn dinner parties. The sweetness of the orange vinaigrette beautifully complements the earthy undertones of the roasted vegetables while the toasted pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch. This salad can shine on its own as a light main dish, especially when served with warm crusty bread. Serve it to impress your guests and celebrate the rich flavors of the season.
6
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pumpkin or Winter Squash
600 g (peeled and cut into 1.5 cm cubes)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Thyme Sprigs
3 (leaves picked)
Paprika
2 teaspoons ( )
Olive Oil
10 tablespoons (divided)
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
to taste ( )
Orange Juice
4 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Balsamic Vinegar
2 tablespoons ( )
Mustard
1 tablespoon ( )
Lamb's Lettuce
200 g (washed and dried)
Pumpkin Seeds
5 tablespoons (toasted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2
Prepare the pumpkin or squash by removing the skin and seeds. Cut it into 1.5 cm cubes and arrange them on a lined baking tray.
3
In a small bowl, mince the garlic and remove the leaves from the thyme sprigs. Combine the minced garlic, thyme leaves, paprika, and 4 tablespoons of olive oil to create a mixture.
4
Using a brush, coat the cubes of pumpkin or squash with the garlic-thyme mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pieces are tender and golden, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6
While the pumpkin is roasting, prepare the dressing by whisking together the orange juice, balsamic vinegar, mustard, a pinch of salt and pepper, and the remaining 6 tablespoons of olive oil until well combined.
7
Wash the lamb's lettuce thoroughly and dry it using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel.
8
In a dry skillet, toast the pumpkin seeds over low heat, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
9
To serve, plate the lamb's lettuce on individual plates, topping each with the warm pumpkin or squash. Drizzle the dressing generously over the salad and finish with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
23
Carbs
6
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Fall Harvest Salad?
The main ingredients include 600g of pumpkin or winter squash, 200g of lamb's lettuce, and 5 tablespoons of toasted pumpkin seeds.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What temperature should I set my oven to for roasting the pumpkin?
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for roasting the pumpkin or squash.
How should I cut the pumpkin for this salad?
The pumpkin or winter squash should be peeled, seeded, and cut into 1.5 cm cubes.
How long does it take to roast the pumpkin cubes?
Roast the pumpkin for 15-20 minutes or until the pieces are tender and golden.
What ingredients are used for the pumpkin roasting rub?
The rub consists of minced garlic, thyme leaves, paprika, and 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
How do I make the orange vinaigrette dressing?
Whisk together 4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of mustard, 6 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper.
How should I toast the pumpkin seeds?
Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden.
What is the calorie count for one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this Fall Harvest Salad?
There are 6 grams of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 23 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and focuses on plant-based ingredients.
Can I use winter squash instead of pumpkin?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests that winter squash can be used as a substitute for pumpkin.
What type of lettuce is recommended?
The recipe calls for lamb's lettuce (also known as mâche) for its earthy flavor.
How should the lamb's lettuce be prepared?
The lettuce should be washed thoroughly and dried using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel.
What should I serve with this salad for a full meal?
It can be served as a light main dish alongside warm crusty bread.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses garlic, fresh thyme, paprika, and salt and black pepper.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
The recipe requires a total of 10 tablespoons of olive oil, divided between the roast and the dressing.
Is the pumpkin served warm or cold?
The roasted pumpkin or squash is served warm over the cool lamb's lettuce.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
Two garlic cloves, minced, are required for the roasting mixture.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
While bottled juice is an option, the recipe recommends 4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
Should the pumpkin seeds be toasted in oil?
No, the pumpkin seeds should be toasted in a dry skillet without oil.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
How should the pumpkin be handled halfway through roasting?
The pumpkin cubes should be turned once halfway through the roasting time to ensure even cooking.
How much paprika is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of paprika.
What makes this salad a good choice for a dinner party?
It features a stunning presentation and a delightful contrast of warm and cool textures.
How do I ensure the pumpkin seeds don't burn?
Watch them closely and stir frequently over low heat for only 3-5 minutes.
How much pumpkin is required?
You will need 600 grams of pumpkin or winter squash.
What texture does the toasted pumpkin seeds add?
The toasted pumpkin seeds provide a satisfying crunch to the salad.