Introduction
Autumn Squash Salad is a vibrant and comforting dish that celebrates the bounty of fall harvests. This salad brings together an assortment of seasonal squashes, kale, and other fresh ingredients to create a colorful and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion or family dinner.
With its mix of textures and rich flavors balanced by the tanginess of pickling liquid, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. It’s a great way to enjoy the variety of squash available during autumn while also incorporating some essential kitchen tools for preparation.
Tips for this recipe
To achieve the best results, ensure your vegetables are prepared uniformly by using a mandoline slicer. For dressing, mix olive oil, vinegar, and honey to create a harmonious blend that complements the sweetness of the squashes. Don’t forget to prepare kale properly—stems removed for ease and tenderness in your final dish.
Why you will love this recipe
This Autumn Squash Salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience that celebrates the season with every bite. The combination of hearty squashes and crisp greens offers a balance between comfort food flavors and light, refreshing textures. Plus, its nutritional profile makes it a guilt-free choice for health-conscious diners who don’t want to compromise on taste.
Ingredients
1 cup Vegetable Pickling Liquid
Thin ribbons Hubbard squash, skin on, cut on a mandoline
1 kabocha squash, cut into large wedges
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Healthy drizzle plus 1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 clove garlic, grated
Leaves from 1 bunch Tuscan kale, stems removed
1 delicata squash, halved and cut into half-moons, then blanched in salted water for 30 seconds
Slices of watermelon radish, plus greens
Few slices jamón serrano or other cured meats
1/4 cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Adviced equipments
– Mandoline Slicer: Perfect for evenly thin squash ribbons.
– Salad Spinner: Quick drying method without wilting greens.
– Chef’s Knife: Handy for various prep tasks, including slicing and dicing vegetables.
– Cutting Board: Essential for safe ingredient preparation.
– Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining salad components like dressings or greens.
– Measuring Cups & Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities, especially for liquid and dry mixes.
– Vegetable Peeler (if needed): To remove any vegetable skins as per recipe requirements.
– Colander or Strainer: Helps in draining excess moisture from blanched veggies.
– Salad Serving Bowls or Plates: Best for serving and presenting the finished salad dish.
History of the recipe
The Autumn Squash Salad, while a modern concoction that marries traditional ingredients in new ways, is inspired by age-old culinary traditions. Squashes have been central to fall harvests for centuries, serving as staple foods during this season. This dish pays homage to these roots with its mix of autumnal squash varieties and emphasis on fresh vegetables like kale—a leafy green that’s seen a resurgence in popularity due to its health benefits and versatility in the kitchen.
Fun facts about this recipe
The ingredients of Autumn Squash Salad highlight not just the variety available during fall but also showcase how squashes have been a canvas for culinary creativity over time. From pickling liquids that add unique flavors to diverse cuts and preparations, each component is chosen to enhance both the salad’s taste profile and its visual appeal. The use of pepitas—once primarily a livestock feed—now adds an exotic crunchy texture, reflecting today’s broader global culinary influences.