Warm Spinach Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash
Tender baby spinach wilts slightly from a warm garlic-almond dressing while roasted delicata squash adds sweetness and caramelized depth. Golden raisins provide chew, shaved Manchego adds tang, and toasted almonds bring crunch. Balanced balsamic vinegar ties the flavors together in a composed salad that works as a side or light main course.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 8 cups baby spinach leaves
- ⅓ cup golden raisins
- 1 large delicata squash, halved, seeds removed, sliced into 1/2-inch piecesacorn squash1:1same
slightly denser texture
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon allspicecinnamon1:1same
warmer spice profile
- 2 ounces shaved Manchego cheeseGruyere1:1similar nutty flavor and meltabilitydairy-free
4
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- 2
Toss squash pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper and allspice in a large bowl. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- 3
Roast for 20 minutes. Flip squash pieces and roast for 15-20 minutes more until softened and well browned.
- 4
Warm olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced almonds, garlic and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- 5
Add spinach to a large bowl. Spoon about half the warm dressing over spinach and toss to coat.
- 6
Add raisins and roasted squash to spinach, tossing to combine. Add more dressing as needed.
- 7
Divide salad between serving plates. Top with shaved cheese and serve immediately.
Tips
Flip squash gently to avoid breaking pieces during roasting.
Toss spinach with dressing while warm to gently wilt leaves without cooking them to softness.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days. Cheese and almonds may soften; consume within 1 day for best texture.
Roast squash and prepare dressing up to 4 hours ahead. Assemble salad just before serving to keep spinach crisp and warm.
Serve immediately after assembly while dressing and squash retain warmth.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip flipping squash midway to avoid uneven browning and inconsistent texture.
Do not add dressing to spinach before serving to avoid wilting it excessively.
Do not crowd the baking sheet to avoid steaming squash instead of roasting it.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
slightly denser texture