20 Mar 2025
Cook time 60 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup almonds
4 cups squash
2 tsp lemon juice
5.50 tbsp olive oil
1 dash black pepper
1 dash salt
10 cups spinach
Roasted squash and spinach salad with almond dressing is a delightful combination of sweet, nutty, and fresh flavors. This healthy and vibrant salad is perfect as a side dish or a light main course. The tender roasted squash pairs beautifully with fresh spinach, and the almond dressing adds a delicious nutty finish to bring it all together.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Almond Dressing:
- In a small food processor or blender, pulse the almonds until finely ground.
- Add 2 tbsp (28g) of the olive oil and the lemon juice to the ground almonds.
- Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Season with a dash of salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Roast the Squash:
- Spread the squash cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Drizzle with 3.5 tbsp (49g) of the olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper.
- Toss to coat the squash evenly with the oil and seasoning.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden brown, turning halfway through the cooking time.
4. Prepare the Spinach:
- While the squash is roasting, place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
5. Assemble the Salad:
- Once the squash is done roasting, let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add the roasted squash to the bowl with the spinach.
- Drizzle the almond dressing over the top of the salad.
6. Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss the salad to combine the spinach, squash, and almond dressing.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy and delicious roasted squash and spinach salad with almond dressing.
Tips:
- Tip 1: To save time, you can roast the squash in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the salad.
- Tip 2: Use a high-quality olive oil for both roasting the squash and making the almond dressing, as it greatly affects the flavor.
- Tip 3: Toast the almonds before blending them into the dressing for an extra depth of flavor.
- Tip 4: Add a tablespoon of water to the dressing if it’s too thick, adjusting to your desired consistency.
- Tip 5: For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some additional toasted almonds or seeds on top of the salad before serving.
This roasted squash and spinach salad with almond dressing is not just nutritious but also bursting with flavor. Whether you're making it for a family meal or a special occasion, this salad is sure to impress. Don't forget to experiment with your favorite spices or additional toppings to make it your own!