Description
Bacon Delicata Salad is a vibrant and satisfying lunch option combining crispy smoky bacon, tender roasted delicata squash, fresh mixed greens, and tangy cheese, all topped with a sweet and tangy maple balsamic dressing. This salad balances sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors and textures to create a nourishing and delightful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 medium delicata squash, sliced into thin half-moons
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, or spinach)
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Delicata Squash: Slice the delicata squash into thin half-moons. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway through.
- Cook the Bacon: While the squash is roasting, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
- Prepare the Greens and Other Ingredients: Rinse and thoroughly dry the mixed greens. Thinly slice the red onion. Toast the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, taking care not to burn them.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the greens with a few tablespoons of dressing. Add the roasted delicata squash, crispy bacon bits, red onion slices, toasted pecans, and crumbled cheese. Drizzle more dressing on top if desired, then gently toss again before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh delicata squash for sweeter, more tender results compared to frozen alternatives.
- Toast pecans to enhance flavor and add crunch.
- Ensure greens are completely dry before dressing to prevent sogginess.
- Serve the salad immediately to maintain crispness and texture.
- Customize the dressing’s sweetness and acidity according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Bacon Delicata Salad, roasted delicata squash salad, bacon salad, gluten free lunch, maple balsamic dressing, autumn salad
