As we enter the harvest, pick up a local squash from your farmer's market, and make yourself a healthy squash and arugula salad for lunch. Let the vitamin A and C boost your immune system, just when you need it most.

Prepare the squash by cutting it in half and roasting the vegetable for about 30-45 minutes until tender. Depending on your preference of texture, you can cut the squash into cubes or simply leave it in the skin and top it with the arugula. However, the skin is the most nutritious part of the vegetable and is full of essential vitamins and minerals. Then, make the salad dressing in a separate bowl, set aside, then mix together the ingredients for the salad and combine the dressing and squash. You will feel nourished, satisfied, and healthy after eating this fall-festive salad.

Recipe Developer: Lauren, Flora & Vino

Why we love it: This salad is the taste of autumn. It's light, clean, and filling. Pick up local squash from your farmers market, roast it, and add it to the healthy salad mix. You will add this recipe to your list of healthy plant-based lunches.

Make it for: Lunch or a side dish for dinner. If you're hosting a party, this dish is delightful and brings fall nostalgia to your dinner table.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hour

Roasted Squash and Arugula Salad

Yields 2-4 servings

Ingredients

Salad:

  • 1⁄4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 small acorn squash
  • 1 TBSP avocado oil
  • Himalayan sea salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 4 cups arugula and/or kale, rinsed and dried
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries

Dressing:

  • 1⁄4 cup Eden Foods Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 TBSP fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • Fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread pine nuts on a large rimmed baking sheet. Toast in the oven, stirring occasionally until fragrant and lightly golden brown, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Cut the squash in half and scrape out the seeds. Cut into quarters, leaving the skin on. On a large baking sheet, toss with avocado oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast until fork-tender and lightly browned, about 35-45 minutes depending on size. Set aside.
  3. To make the dressing, combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk with a fork to combine. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, add arugula/kale, and dressing. Toss to combine.
  5. To serve, divide roasted squash, skin-side-down among plates. Place dressed salad on top of each quarter and drizzle with extra dressing if desired and top with toasted pine nuts and cranberries.

31 Delicious, Plant-Based Recipes to Make on Repeat

Want fresh ideas for meals that are healthy, plant-based, and delicious? This free newsletter is for you. Sign up to get a recipe of the day delivered to your inbox every morning.

More From The Beet