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Autumn Caesar Salad with Delicata Squash Croutons

Autumn caesar salad with delicata squash croutons features crisp romaine and kale tossed in creamy Caesar dressing, topped with golden roasted squash edges. The salad gets crunch from pepitas and savory flavor from shaved Parmesan for a fall-forward finish with lemon wedges.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Delicata squash
  • 1 delicata squash Halved, seeded, and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons.
Squash seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
Greens
  • 1 romaine Large head, chopped.
  • 3 cup lacinato kale Stemmed and chopped.
Caesar dressing & toppings
  • 0.5 cup Caesar dressing Use 1 tablespoon to massage kale, then toss remaining with romaine and kale.
  • 0.5 cup shaved Parmesan
  • 0.25 cup roasted pepitas
Serving
  • 1 lemon Cut into wedges.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Roast the delicata squash
  1. Preheat oven to 425F, then line or prepare a sheet pan for roasting.
  2. Toss the delicata squash with olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and salt until evenly coated.
  3. Roast for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp at the edges.
Massage and assemble the salad
  1. Massage the lacinato kale with 1 tablespoon of Caesar dressing for 1 minute to soften.
  2. Toss the romaine and kale with the remaining Caesar dressing until coated.
  3. Top with the roasted squash croutons, shaved Parmesan, and roasted pepitas.
  4. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the salad.

Notes

For the crispiest squash “croutons,” spread the half-moons in a single layer on the sheet pan and avoid crowding. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but keep lemon wedges and any extra dressing separate if possible to reduce wilting. Freezing isn’t recommended because the greens will soften. If you want a dairy-light version, use a dairy-free Caesar dressing and Parmesan-style vegan shreds in the same amounts.