In the fall when the leaves start to turn colors, there’s a slight chill in the air and everything and all of the fruits and vegetables at the farmers market head into a new season I get giddy. As much as I love summer produce, there’s something about fresh autumn foods that gets me excited.
If you have been wanting to figure out a way to get more squash, pomegranate seeds and persimmon into your kitchen you have to make this Harvest Salad.
Harvest Salad is packed with so many kid friendly fruits they’ll be begging you to make it. We went to a party a few weeks ago where I made this for 40 plus people and had a bunch asking me for the recipe, so I wanted to make sure to get it posted asap. Not only is it gorgeous to look at but it has so many delectable tastes and textures to enjoy.
You get the crunch from maple walnut with a sweet and salty flavor, tender pomegranate jewels, extra sweet persimmon which are one of Kenya and Chloe’s favorite fruits, a little bite from the arugula and topped with a reduced balsamic dressing which will knock your socks off!
Watch the video above for a few quick tips on which squash like delicata and butternut work best in the Harvest Salad and even how to cut and peel them. Never tried a persimmon? You’ll know exactly what to look for after watching above.
If you’re looking to make a special dish for your family or need a super easy salad to bring to a friend’s fall celebration you need to whip up this Harvest Salad. If you make it be sure to tag @weelicious on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creation!
Photos by Gerry Speirs
Harvest Salad
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Place the squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast 20 minutes, until fork tender.
- Place the arugula in a big salad bowl, top with the roasted squash, persimmons, pomegranate seeds, and apples.
- In a small mason jar with a tight-fighting lid, combine the shallot, reduced balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Shake to combine well.
- Drizzle the dressing onto the salad and toss to combine.
This salad was so good! Loved all the flavors and it was so pretty too. My 2 year old kept stealing the apples and pomegranate seeds off my plate. I enjoyed having a healthy dish to go along with our Thanksgiving spread and it was even good the next day!
Do you recommend the leftover dressing to be refrigerated?
Also confused about maple walnut – the photos include walnuts in the salad, but it’s not listed in the ingredients.
Yes, this is sure to impress company with all the lovely fall colors!
This looks delicious!! I love the colors, definitely something to make when company is coming.
Reduced balsamic vinegar has been cooked down so it thickens. You can find it at most grocery stores with the vinegars, or in the artisan cheese section!
What is “reduced” balsamic vinegar? Does regular balsamic vinegar work?
Where is the maple walnut ingredient?
This looks amazing.
Is there a “maple walnut” component that I’m missing? I’m confused from the description above the recipe? Sounds amazing, either way.
You definitely can! I would keep it limited to 1/2 teaspoon or less.
This looks wonderful, thank you! Would you add salt to the dressing?