Roasted Butternut Pumpkin & Spinach Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
This Roasted Butternut Pumpkin & Spinach Salad is a delightful gourmet side that perfectly complements gourmet pizzas or any main dish. The sweetness of the roasted pumpkin combined with fresh spinach and the nutty crunch of pine nuts creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Coated in a tangy honey mustard dressing, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this salad is sure to impress your guests and elevate your meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut pumpkin
600 g (deseeded, peeled, cut into wedges)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (for roasting)
Honey
2 teaspoons (for roasting)
Sesame seeds
2 teaspoons (for roasting)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for dressing)
Coarse grain mustard
2 teaspoons (for dressing)
Baby spinach leaves
150 g (washed and dried)
Pine nuts
75 g (toasted)
Extra honey
to taste (for dressing (if desired))
Instructions
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1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
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2. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper to prevent the pumpkin from sticking.
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3. In a large mixing bowl, place the chopped butternut pumpkin. Drizzle with olive oil and honey, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Gently toss the pumpkin pieces until they are evenly coated.
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4. Spread the seasoned pumpkin in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, turning the pumpkin pieces once halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting. The pumpkin should be golden brown when done.
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5. After 25 minutes, remove the pumpkin from the oven and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the top. Return the tray to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the seeds are lightly toasted. Once finished, set the pumpkin aside to cool for 30 minutes.
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6. While the pumpkin cools, prepare the honey mustard dressing. In a screw-top jar, combine fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, coarse grain mustard, and an extra tablespoon of honey. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well blended. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
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7. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pumpkin, baby spinach leaves, and toasted pine nuts. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is combined and coated with the dressing.
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8. Serve the salad immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors and textures!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Roasted Butternut Pumpkin & Spinach Salad?
It is a gourmet side dish that combines sweet roasted butternut pumpkin with fresh baby spinach and toasted pine nuts, all tossed in a tangy honey mustard dressing.
What type of pumpkin is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 600g of butternut pumpkin, which should be deseeded, peeled, and cut into wedges.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) for roasting the pumpkin.
How do I prevent the pumpkin from sticking to the tray?
Line your baking tray with non-stick baking paper before placing the pumpkin on it.
What ingredients are used to season the pumpkin for roasting?
The pumpkin is tossed with olive oil, honey, salt, and freshly ground pepper before being spread on the baking tray.
How long does the pumpkin need to roast in the oven?
The pumpkin should roast for a total of 30 minutes: 25 minutes initially, followed by 5 minutes after adding sesame seeds.
Should I turn the pumpkin while it is roasting?
Yes, you should turn the pumpkin pieces once halfway through the initial 25-minute roasting period to ensure even cooking.
When should I add the sesame seeds?
Add the sesame seeds after the first 25 minutes of roasting, then return the tray to the oven for 5 more minutes.
How long does the pumpkin need to cool after roasting?
The pumpkin should be set aside to cool for approximately 30 minutes before being added to the salad.
What ingredients are in the honey mustard dressing?
The dressing consists of fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, coarse grain mustard, and honey, seasoned with salt and pepper.
How do I prepare the honey mustard dressing?
Combine all the dressing ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake vigorously until they are well blended.
How much baby spinach is needed for this salad?
You will need 150g of washed and dried baby spinach leaves.
Are the pine nuts in the recipe toasted?
Yes, the recipe requires 75g of toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding extra honey to the dressing to taste if you prefer it sweeter.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
What type of mustard should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of coarse grain mustard for the dressing.
How do I assemble the final salad?
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pumpkin, spinach, and toasted pine nuts, then drizzle with the dressing and gently toss.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The pumpkin is cooled for 30 minutes, so the salad is typically served at room temperature or slightly warm, and it should be served immediately after tossing.
What dishes does this salad pair well with?
This salad is a great accompaniment to gourmet pizzas or any main dish.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features nutrient-dense ingredients like pumpkin, spinach, and olive oil.
What is the preparation style for the pumpkin?
The pumpkin is prepared by deseeding, peeling, and cutting it into wedges before roasting.
How much olive oil is used for roasting?
Two teaspoons of olive oil are used to coat the pumpkin for roasting.
How much extra virgin olive oil is needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 distinct ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as 'easy' and 'quick,' making it suitable for weeknight dinners.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for the dressing.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is tangy and sweet due to the combination of coarse grain mustard, lemon juice, and honey.
What texture does the pumpkin have after roasting?
The roasted pumpkin should be golden brown and tender, providing a soft contrast to the crunchy pine nuts and sesame seeds.
Is this a seasonal recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as seasonal, highlighting ingredients like butternut pumpkin.
Can I use this for an elegant gathering?
Yes, the description notes that this salad is ideal for elegant gatherings and is sure to impress guests.