Easy Autumn Caesar Salad with Delicata Squash Croutons Recipe

An autumn Caesar salad revolutionizes classic comfort into seasonal sophistication, blending unexpected textures and warm flavor profiles.

Crisp greens invite dynamic culinary adventures with hearty, caramelized elements that elevate traditional expectations.

roasted delicata squash becomes a golden, crunchy alternative to standard croutons, bringing unexpected depth to each vibrant bite.

Delicate yet robust ingredients dance across your plate, creating a harmonious balance between freshness and rich autumnal notes.

Earthy undertones complement the tangy dressing, promising a sensory experience that bridges summer’s lightness and winter’s intensity.

Simplified preparations allow home cooks to craft restaurant-quality dishes with minimal technical skill and maximum flavor impact.

Each forkful tells a story of seasonal transition and creative cooking.

Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Croutons: A Must-Try Fall Twist

• Roast and Transform: Turn ordinary delicata squash into crispy, golden croutons that add a delightful autumn twist to a classic Caesar salad.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Combine hearty kale, roasted squash, and toasted nuts for a salad that feels indulgent yet incredibly nourishing and satisfying.
• Quick and Easy Gourmet: Elevate a simple salad with minimal effort, creating a restaurant-worthy dish in just 30 minutes that impresses with complex flavors and textures.
• Seasonal Sensory Experience: Enjoy the warm, nutty flavors of toasted pine nuts, the crisp texture of squash croutons, and the vibrant green kale that captures the essence of fall.

Ingredients for Autumn Caesar Salad with Delicata Squash

• Delicata Squash: Sweet autumn squash with edible skin, easy to prepare and full of flavor.
• Pine Nuts, Walnuts: Crunchy additions that provide nutty richness and healthy texture.

• Kale: Hearty dark green with robust nutrition, perfect for fall salads.
• Shallots: Mild onion-like flavor that adds delicate sharpness to the salad.

• Olive Oil: Helps roast squash and adds smooth, rich undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall dish flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami cheese that adds depth and creamy texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy coating for squash and extra texture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings warmth and complexity.
• Fresh Herbs: Adds bright, fresh notes to complement roasted elements.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens kale and provides acidic balance.
• Caesar Dressing: Creamy dressing that ties all ingredients together.

Steps for Making Autumn Caesar Salad at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 425°F

Position the rack in the top third of the oven

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Step 2: Transform Delicata Squash into Crispy Bites

Cube delicata squash into bite-sized pieces

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drizzle oil over squash

Sprinkle salt and pepper

Toss until evenly coated

Spread squash in a single layer on baking sheet

Step 3: Create Crunchy Herb Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh herbs

Drizzle olive oil over mixture

Gently toss to combine

Sprinkle topping over squash

Press lightly to help coating stick

Step 4: Roast and Toast

Slide baking sheet into oven

Roast squash for 20-25 minutes

Add pine nuts or walnuts during last 3-4 minutes

Look for golden color and tender texture

Remove from oven

Let cool slightly

Step 5: Prepare Leafy Base

Grab fresh kale

Slice shallots thinly

Add lemon juice

Sprinkle salt

Use hands to massage kale

Squeeze and mix until leaves soften and brighten

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Place massaged kale in serving bowl

Add roasted squash croutons

Sprinkle toasted nuts

Shave parmesan cheese on top

Drizzle Caesar dressing

Toss gently to combine

Season with extra salt and pepper

Serve immediately and savor the autumn flavors

Key Tips for Caesar Salad with Squash Croutons

• Select Fresh Squash: Choose delicata squash with firm, smooth skin and vibrant color for the best texture and flavor in your croutons.
• Slice Evenly: Cut squash into uniform cubes to ensure consistent roasting and crispy edges for your salad's croutons.
• Massage Technique: Gently massage kale with lemon juice and salt to break down tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to eat.
• Customize Nuts: Swap pine nuts with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile and added crunch in your salad.
• Dressing Balance: Drizzle Caesar dressing sparingly to prevent overwhelming the delicate squash and kale flavors, allowing each ingredient to shine.

Autumn Caesar Salad: How to Store and Reheat if Needed

• Refrigerate: Transfer salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy kale.
• Separate Components: Store roasted squash croutons, nuts, and kale in different containers to maintain their crisp texture and freshness.
• Reheat Gently: Warm squash croutons in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Toss with fresh kale and dressing just before serving to revive the salad's vibrant flavors.

Foods That Go Well with Autumn Caesar Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the roasted squash and herbal notes with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the creamy Caesar dressing and enhances the salad's earthy flavors.
• Match with Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside a warm, crusty sourdough or rosemary focaccia to soak up the dressing and provide a delightful textural contrast to the squash croutons.
• Elevate with Grilled Protein: Add grilled chicken or seared salmon to transform this autumn salad into a hearty main course, balancing the kale's richness with lean protein.
• Finish with Sparkling Cider: Pair with a crisp, slightly sweet hard apple cider that echoes the seasonal squash and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the salad's robust ingredients.

Autumn Caesar Salad Twists and Add-ons

• Harvest Squash Crunch: Swap delicata for butternut squash, adding smoked paprika for extra warmth and depth. Scatter crispy bacon bits for a smoky protein boost.
• Mediterranean Herb Garden: Replace kale with fresh arugula, incorporate za'atar spice blend into crouton mixture. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for tangy Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Autumn Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños with squash before roasting. Use chili-infused olive oil for croutons. Top with pepper jack cheese and cayenne-dusted pine nuts for heat lovers.
• Vegan Woodland Version: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Create cashew-based Caesar dressing. Add roasted mushrooms alongside squash for earthy umami flavor. Scatter pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.

Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp autumn leaves inspire this reinvented caesar salad, where delicata squash transforms into golden, crunchy croutons. Earthy roasted squash and tangy parmesan create a seasonal twist that will delight your palate with rich, comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kale, destemmed and finely chopped (about 3 cups)
• 1 medium delicata squash (about 1 pound), deseeded and cubed into ½-inch pieces
• ⅓ cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts, toasted
• ⅓ cup shaved parmesan

Salad Dressing and Flavor Enhancers:

• ⅓ cup caesar dressing of choice
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or grated
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, sage, or thyme)

Coating and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated parmesan
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the upper third of the oven. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice delicata squash into uniform cubes, ensuring consistent sizing for even roasting. Coat squash with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Create a crispy herb-parmesan coating by mixing breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, minced garlic, and finely chopped fresh herbs. Drizzle with remaining olive oil to create a clumpy texture.
4. Distribute seasoned squash cubes across the baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces. Sprinkle the herbed breadcrumb mixture over squash, gently pressing to adhere.
5. Roast squash for approximately 22 minutes, developing golden edges and tender interior. During the final 3-4 minutes, scatter pine nuts or walnuts on the sheet to lightly toast.
6. While squash roasts, prepare kale by tearing leaves into bite-sized pieces. Add thinly sliced shallots and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the greens.
7. Massage kale with hands, working lemon juice and salt into leaves until they soften and become vibrant green. This process helps break down the tough fibers.
8. Transfer massaged kale to a serving platter. Layer roasted squash croutons, toasted nuts, and delicate shavings of parmesan cheese on top.
9. Drizzle caesar dressing over the salad, ensuring even distribution. Gently toss ingredients to combine, allowing flavors to meld together.
10. Finish with a final sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm squash and crisp kale.

Notes

• Elevate your autumn meal with this vibrant, nutrient-packed salad that transforms delicata squash into crispy, golden croutons.
• Massaging kale breaks down its tough fibers, creating a tender, silky texture that absorbs dressing beautifully and enhances digestibility.
• Toasting nuts directly on the baking sheet alongside squash croutons intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch without dirtying extra dishes.
• Squash serves as a nutritious, seasonal alternative to traditional bread croutons, offering more vitamins, minerals, and a rich, caramelized flavor profile.
• Fresh herbs and garlic in the crumb coating create layers of aromatic complexity that elevate this salad from simple to spectacular.
• Use a light hand when massaging kale to prevent bruising and maintain its bright green color and robust texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg