Spinach and Delicata Squash Salad

With ingredients like bulgur, dried cherries, and pepitas, this Spinach and Delicata Squash Salad is both easy and healthy. Topped with a simple vinaigrette, it can be prepared in minutes and each bite is exploding with flavor.

This roasted delicata squash salad is both light and filling. The squash and bulgur give it enough substance to keep you full without weighing you down for the rest of the day. If you’re feeling a bit over all of the heavy dishes of the holiday season (and winter in general!), this Spinach and Delicata Squash Salad is a great alternative. 

For this simple spinach salad, I used my air fryer delicata squash. It adds a slightly sweet flavor – think corn meets sweet potato and butternut squash – that pairs nicely with the herby Boursin cheese, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy pepitas.

For the dressing, I stuck with a simple vinaigrette – oil and apple cider vinegar with some maple syrup for sweetness and Dijon mustard for extra flavor. 

Once you have the squash prepared, this salad comes together in just minutes. It’s beautiful and elegant enough that you can serve it for the holidays and easy enough to make whenever you’re craving something fresh and light! 

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Baby spinach – The base for our spinach salad!
• Cooked bulgur – Bulgur is a cracked wheat that adds some substance and protein to this roasted squash salad. Cooked quinoa can also be used.
• Dried cherries – Add a burst of color and some tartness to the salad. Dried cranberries are also a good choice.
• Pepitas – Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) add some crunch to the salad. Walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds are also great substitutions.
• Boursin cheese – I used the garlic and herb flavor. Feta or goat cheese could also be used.
• Delicata squash – Roast the squash into 2” slices, as shown in my air fryer delicata squash recipe.

For The Salad Dressing

• Olive oil – The base of our vinaigrette dressing.
• Apple cider vinegar – Thins out the dressing and adds a nice tang.
• Maple syrup – Adds just a hint of sweetness to balance out the other flavors.
• Garlic – You can grate it or mince it.
• Dijon mustard – Whole grain dijon mustard adds a slightly tangy and sharp flavor to the dressing.
• Salt & pepper

How to Make Spinach and Delicata Squash Salad

This is a super simple recipe to assemble!

To prepare the dressing, whisk all of the ingredients together

To prepare the salad, toss all ingredients together in a bowl. That’s it… no more explanation needed!

You can pour the dressing over the salad or serve it on the side. Note that if you aren’t serving this immediately or if you plan to have leftovers, you should definitely keep the dressing on the side. 

Should the Delicata Squash Be Hot or Cold For This Salad?

Either! You can roast the squash right before assembling the salad or roast it in advance, store it in the fridge, and add it cold. Both ways are super tasty. 

Can I Use Other Types of Squash in This Simple Spinach Salad?

Of course. Butternut squash and acorn squash would both be very good alternatives.

Can I Make This Roasted Squash Salad Dairy Free?

Yep. To do so, just swap the Boursin cheese for your favorite dairy-free option. Cashew cheese is a great alternative. 

How to Store

You can store the delicata squash salad in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep it covered or in an airtight container.

However, you will want to keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. The dressing can be stored in its own tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.  

More Salad Recipes:

• Hemp Tabouli Salad
• Tahini Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad
• Crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad
• Cucumber Salad with Dill and Chickpeas
• Panzanella Salad
• Traditional Fattoush Salad