A vibrant, bold salad featuring caramelized roast pumpkin, creamy feta, and a tangy-sweet tamarind vinaigrette. Perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals.
1 small sugar pumpkin or kabocha squash, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
Sea salt and cracked pepper to taste
4 cups mixed greens or arugula
½ cup crumbled Danish feta
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
2 tbsp pepitas or candied walnuts
2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional)
**Tamarind Vinaigrette**
1 tbsp tamarind paste
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
4 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and tender.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, mustard, maple syrup, vinegar, and olive oil. Season to taste.
4. Let pumpkin cool slightly, then toss half the vinaigrette with the warm pumpkin.
5. Arrange greens in a large bowl. Top with pumpkin, feta, onion, pepitas, and pomegranate seeds.
6. Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette and serve immediately.
To make ahead, roast pumpkin and prepare vinaigrette up to 2 days in advance.
Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
Substitute butternut squash or sweet potato if desired.