Roasted Delicata Squash, Pear and Pomegranate Salad

This roasted delicata squash salad is perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table! It’s a beautiful combination of roasted squash, juicy pears, tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas and creamy goat cheese, all drizzled with a maple balsamic vinaigrette.

Roasted delicata squash salad with pomegranates, pears, and goat cheese.

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Why You’ll Love My Delicata Squash Salad

You don’t have to peel the squash. Unlike butternut squash, you don’t have to peel delicata squash. The skin is soft and edible. So you can just slice and roast it!
It’s full of seasonal flavor. The combination of sweet delicata squash, juicy pears, and peppery arugula is perfect for fall and winter.
It’s great for holiday parties. You can roast the squash and make the vinaigrette ahead of time, then assemble everything right before serving.

I’m a firm believer that holiday salads should be anything but boring. I understand that big mains like turkey or prime rib often take centerstage, but you need to have a little balance on the table. And while I love all the traditional Thanksgiving sides like my sweet potato casserole or creamed corn, it’s always nice to have something fresh and colorful on the table. That’s why I love this roasted delicata squash salad!

I first made this recipe way back in 2015, when I was looking for something a little different to add to our Thanksgiving menu. My mom had an abundance of pomegranates growing on her trees, so I thought this salad would be a great way to use them up!

I paired those pomegranates with delicata squash that becomes deliciously sweet when roasted, fresh pears, baby arugula, crunchy pepitas, and creamy goat cheese. Then, I drizzled everything with a simple maple balsamic vinaigrette. The combination was SO GOOD that my mom and I practically polished off the entire salad ourselves during my first test run!

Now, more than a decade later, this salad is still one of my favorites when fall rolls around, along with my sweet potato salad and shaved Brussels spouts salad.

Delicata Squash Salad Ingredients

Delicata squash: This naturally sweet winter squash becomes wonderfully tender and slightly caramelized when roasted. And of course, I love that you don’t have to peel it! The thin skin is completely edible, similar to my roasted acorn squash recipe.
Arugula: I love the peppery flavor of arugula and think it balances the sweetness of the squash and fruit. But you can also use baby spinach or mixed greens if you prefer.
Pomegranate seeds: These little seeds provide beautiful ruby red color and juicy bursts of sweet-tart flavor. You can open a deseed a pomegranate yourself, or buy the seeds on their own in a cup. I usually do the latter to save time.
Pears: Try to grab pears that are ripe, but still slightly firm, so they hold their shape when sliced. My favorites are Bartlett pears, but any work here.
Shallot: I love adding thinly sliced shallot to salads! It adds a delicate onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Pepitas: Raw pumpkin seeds are a great addition for crunch.
Goat cheese: I love a sprinkle of goat cheese for that creamy touch.
Maple balsamic vinaigrette: This is a simple blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. I add it all to one of these small jars, then shake it together until it’s emulsified.

How to Make Roasted Delicata Squash Salad

Slicing delicata squash before roasting.

Step 1: Roast the delicata squash. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the squash, slice it into rings, and scoop out the seeds from the center of each ring. Then, arrange the slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and season with salt, and pepper. Roast the squash for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. It should be tender and lightly golden!

Step 2: Make the vinaigrette. While the squash is roasting, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, slat, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk together or add a lid and shake, until the dressing has emulsified.

Lisa’s favorite dressing jars: While I love Weck jars, these little screw top glass jars are my favorite for quickly shaking together homemade salad dressings and vinaigrettes!

Assembling a roasted delicata squash salad.

Step 3: Assemble the salad. Add the arugula, sliced pears, pomegranate seeds, shallot, pepitas, and goat cheese to a large bowl.

Lisa’s assembling tip: I like to layer the ingredients a few times as I’m adding them to the salad bowl, so it’s not just everything topped on the arugula. I prefer this rather than tossing afterwards, to preserve the beautiful aesthetic of the salad!

Plates of roasted delicata squash salad.

Step 4: Serve. Drizzle the salad with the maple balsamic vinaigrette right before serving, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to peel delicata squash before roasting?

Nope! And that’s why I love it so much. Unlike butternut squash, delicata squash has a thin, edible skin that becomes tender when roasted. Just give it a good wash before slicing and roasting.

Can I use another type of squash?

Yes, you could easily swap in acorn squash and roast it very similarly (it also doesn’t need to be peeled). Or you could swap in roasted butternut squash cubes.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Just omit the goat cheese. That’s it!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! What I’ll often do is roast the delicata squash and prepare the vinaigrette a day in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Then, I’ll slice the pears and assemble the salad right before serving. Lastly, I’ll top the salad with the dressing just as guests are getting ready to enjoy the meal. That way the arugula doesn’t get soggy and the salad still feels and tastes fresh!

More Fall and Winter Salad Recipes

Waldorf Salad: A favorite fruit and nut salad.

Roasted Beet and Kale Salad: A delicious and nutritious salad.

Broccoli Salad: The number one holiday potluck salad!

If you try this roasted delicata squash salad recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community.

5 from 5 votes

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