Pumpkin & rocket salad

This Pumpkin & Rocket Salad features roasted pumpkin, peppery arugula, and crunchy macadamia nuts, all tossed in a zesty chili-lemon dressing. It's a nutritious and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.

20 Dec 2025
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

6 cups pumpkin
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups arugula
1/2 cup macadamia
Pumpkin & rocket salad

This Pumpkin & Rocket Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that's perfect for any meal or occasion. Combining the sweet and savory flavors of roasted pumpkin, the peppery bite of arugula, and the rich crunch of macadamias, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. It's easy to make, visually appealing, and bursting with flavor, making it a great addition to your recipe collection.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin: Peel the pumpkin and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Place the pieces in a mixing bowl.
2. Season the Pumpkin: Pour 1/4 cup (60g) of olive oil over the pumpkin pieces. Add 1 tsp (5g) of chili powder and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the pumpkin is well coated.
3. Roast the Pumpkin: Spread the seasoned pumpkin pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and slightly caramelized. Be sure to turn them halfway through the roasting time for even cooking.
4. Add the Roasted Pumpkin: Once the pumpkin is done roasting and has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl with the arugula.
5. Add Macadamia Nuts: Sprinkle 1/2 cup (72g) of roughly chopped macadamia nuts over the salad.
6. Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.

The Pumpkin & Rocket Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together a medley of flavors and textures. With the perfect balance of sweetness from the pumpkin, spice from the chili powder, acidity from the lemon juice, and crunch from the macadamias, this salad is sure to impress your taste buds and guests. Enjoy this vibrant and healthy salad as a starter, side dish, or a light main course.

Pumpkin & rocket salad FAQ:

How long should I roast the pumpkin for this salad?

Roast the pumpkin for about 25-30 minutes at the preheated oven temperature, or until it's tender and slightly caramelized. Remember to turn the pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking.

What can I use as a substitute for macadamia nuts?

You can substitute macadamia nuts with walnuts, pecans, or almonds if you prefer. Keep in mind that each type of nut will impart a slightly different flavor and texture to the salad.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

While you can roast the pumpkin and prepare the dressing ahead of time, it's best to toss the salad just before serving to keep the arugula fresh and crisp.

What is the best way to store leftovers of this salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the arugula may wilt, so it's best enjoyed fresh.

How can I make this salad vegan?

This Pumpkin & Rocket Salad is already vegan-friendly, as it contains no animal products. Ensure that the macadamia nuts and any additional ingredients you use are also vegan.

Tips:

- Ensure that the pumpkin is cut into evenly sized pieces to allow for uniform roasting.

- Toss the pumpkin with olive oil and chili powder thoroughly to ensure an even coating, which enhances flavor and promotes even cooking.

- For added depth of flavor, try roasting the macadamias lightly before adding them to the salad.

- Lemon juice adds a fresh zing to the salad, but you can also experiment with other citrus juices like lime or orange for a different twist.

- Serve the salad immediately after assembling to enjoy the fresh, crisp texture of the arugula.

Nutrition per serving

6 Servings
Calories 130kcal
Protein 2.46g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 2.00g
Sugar 4.07g
Fat 24g

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