Delicata Squash and Apple Roast

Are you searching for the perfect autumn dish that marries comfort and vibrancy on your table? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Roasted Delicata Squash Apples. The combination of caramelized squash, onions, and the sweet, tart crunch of apples tossed in a tangy dressing is a symphony of flavors that will have you craving more, even when squash season is over.

As the warm aroma of sage and thyme fills your kitchen, you’ll be transported back to cozy evenings and cherished memories. This dish is a delightful balance of flavors that will charm even the most veggie-wary guests. The versatility of this recipe allows you to personalize it with your favorite ingredients, be it swapping squash varieties or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra touch of warmth.

Whether served as a vibrant vegetarian main or as a hearty side at your holiday feast, this Roasted Delicata Squash Apples recipe is a winner. Make it ahead for meal prep lunches, pair it with roast chicken or risotto, or savor it as a quick lunch bowl over grains. Embrace the fall season with this nourishing and delicious dish that will surely become a staple at your table.

Quick Benefits

• Vibrant Fall Flavors: This dish combines the warm, caramelized flavors of roasted squash and onions with the tart sweetness of apples, balanced by a tangy dressing and fresh kale.
• Versatile Ingredient Swaps: Easily customize this recipe by swapping out ingredients like squash variety, onion type, or nuts/seeds to suit your preferences or accommodate allergies.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep or holiday gatherings, you can roast the vegetables and prepare the dressing in advance, allowing for easy reheating and assembly before serving.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Even veggie skeptics will be won over by the cozy, nourishing flavors of this dish, making it a go-to offering for gatherings and potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Delicata Squash and Apple Roast Recipe

• The combination of caramelized squash, tart apples, and sweet onions creates a delicious balance of flavors that is both comforting and vibrant.
• The tangy dressing adds a zesty kick to the dish, complementing the mellowed flavors of wilted kale and toasted seeds.
• The aroma of freshly picked sage and thyme while cooking evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making it a cozy dish for fall evenings.
• This recipe is versatile, allowing for ingredient swaps like using acorn or butternut squash, different types of nuts, and a variety of apples to suit personal preferences.
• It can be served as a vibrant vegetarian main course, a hearty side dish for holiday meals, or as a make-ahead option for meal prep lunches.
• The dish pairs well with roast chicken, creamy risotto, or can be enjoyed on its own with crusty bread, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
• With the option to add seasonal variations like cinnamon or smoked paprika, and different greens like baby spinach or chard, this recipe can be adapted to suit different tastes and seasons.
• The make-ahead tips make it a convenient dish for potlucks or meal prepping, allowing for easy reheating and assembly before serving.
• The cozy and nourishing nature of this dish has the potential to win over even the most skeptical eaters, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings or when a comforting meal is needed.

Ingredients for Delicata Squash and Apple Roast

Produce

• Leaves from 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 small gala apple, diced
• 2 delicata squash, halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 6 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
• 2 cups lacinato kale leaves, torn into pieces
• Sea salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup pearl onions, peeled and halved

Nuts and Seeds

• 2 tablespoons pepitas or pine nuts

Oils

• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling and dressing (approximately 2 tablespoons plus additional for roasting)

Vinaigrette

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 garlic clove, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pro Tips for Delicata Squash and Apple Roast

To ensure your roasted delicata squash apples turn out perfectly, be sure to slice the squash into uniform 1/2-inch slices for even roasting. Consider using baby spinach or Swiss chard if lacinato kale is not available or for a milder green. Gala apples provide sweetness and texture, but feel free to use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a different flavor profile. Roast the squash on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart, to allow for proper caramelization and browning. You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and reheat them before serving along with assembling the salad with the fresh apples and dressing. For an added crunch, consider using pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or chopped toasted pecans as a topping.

To enhance the flavors of the dish, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or smoked paprika before roasting for a hint of winter warmth. In the spring, swap out the kale for baby spinach or Swiss chard, and in the summer, try incorporating roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a seasonal twist. While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can roast the squash and onions in advance and freeze them in an airtight bag for convenience. The dressing can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This versatile and vibrant dish will surely become a favorite at your autumn table and beyond, appealing even to those who typically shy away from vegetables.

How to Make Delicata Squash and Apple Roast

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roast Squash and Onions

Place delicata squash slices and halved pearl onions on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, toss to coat evenly, and spread in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until squash is golden and onions are tender and browned.

Step 3: Prepare Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified. Set aside.

Step 4: Toast Seeds or Nuts

Toast pepitas or pine nuts with a pinch of salt in a small skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Combine lacinato kale, chopped sage, thyme leaves, roasted squash, onions, diced apple, half of the toasted seeds or nuts, and half of the vinaigrette in a mixing bowl. Toss gently until evenly coated.

Step 6: Heat and Serve

Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and bake at 425°F for 8–10 minutes until apples soften and kale wilts. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle reserved toasted seeds or nuts before serving.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Roasted Delicata Squash Apples dish, store any leftovers in an airtight glass container to help maintain the texture. It can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a 350-degree oven for about ten minutes or until heated through. For the best flavor, add the fresh apple right before serving to prevent it from losing its crispness if stored with the salad.

If you plan to make this dish ahead of time, you can roast the squash and onions in advance and freeze them in an airtight bag. Before serving, reheat the roasted vegetables in the oven and toss them with fresh kale and apples to keep the flavors vibrant and prevent sogginess. Additionally, the dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it convenient for meal prep or quick assembly when needed. This cozy squash salad is versatile and can be enjoyed fresh or with make-ahead steps for a convenient meal option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have delicata squash, acorn or butternut squash can be used as substitutes. Remember to peel the skin of acorn or butternut squash before slicing and roasting. For a nut-free version, you can swap pepitas with sunflower seeds or omit the nuts entirely without compromising the overall texture and flavor of the dish.

In place of lacinato kale, baby spinach or Swiss chard can be used if you prefer a milder leafy green or have them on hand. Gala apples can be interchanged with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a similar crisp and tart taste in the salad. When roasting the squash, ensure the pieces are spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet and toss them with oil to promote even caramelization and browning. If you want to add a touch of warmth to the dish, consider sprinkling a bit of cinnamon or smoked paprika before roasting the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try layering the roasted delicata squash apples over a bed of creamy polenta or fluffy quinoa. The combination of the tender squash, sweet apples, and tangy dressing will create a delicious contrast in texture and flavor, making for a satisfying and hearty meal.

Another idea is to use the roasted delicata squash apples as a filling for savory hand pies or turnovers. Simply spoon the mixture onto circles of prepared pie dough, fold over, crimp the edges, and bake until golden brown. These handheld treats are perfect for a cozy fall picnic or as a unique appetizer for your next gathering.

FAQs for Delicata Squash and Apple Roast

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a crisp, tart flavor if you prefer or have them on hand.

Can I prepare the roasted squash and onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the squash and onions ahead of time, freeze them in an airtight bag, and reheat in the oven before tossing with kale and apples to maintain their lively flavors and prevent sogginess.

What nuts can I use instead of pepitas?

You can use pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or chopped toasted pecans as alternatives to pepitas for a similar crunchy topping in the dish.

How should I roast the squash to achieve caramelized edges?

To achieve caramelized edges, halve the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, slice into 1/2-inch half moons, spread them on a parchment-lined sheet pan, and toss with oil to ensure even roasting and browning.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring these Roasted Delicata Squash Apples as much as I do. This dish truly captures the essence of fall with its warm and comforting flavors. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, it is sure to bring a touch of vibrancy to your autumn table.

Remember, feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own by experimenting with different seasonal ingredients or adding your own twist. Cooking is all about exploring and discovering new flavors, so have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process of creating delicious and nourishing meals.

Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey with Roasted Delicata Squash Apples. I can’t wait to hear about your experience making this dish and how it brings a taste of nostalgia and warmth to your home. Happy cooking!