If there’s one good thing about winter, other than the holidays of course, it’s winter squash.
Fun fact: Did you know the acorn squash is otherwise known as the “Des Moines squash?” I didn’t either, until I moved to Des Moines. Apparently the capital of Iowa was the first recorded place in the United States to have acorn squash back in the early 1900s. Pretty crazy, right?
After learning I was living in the place where one of my favorite squashes first appeared, I knew I had to make something with acorn squash in it. And so here we are today, staring at this beautiful Honey-Roasted Acorn Squash Salad with Hazelnuts and a Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette. I’m not going to lie … this dish was almost to pretty to eat!
But it wasn’t long before it was quickly devoured at our apartment potluck this weekend. Luckily I snagged a plate for myself before it was gone. With my love of acorn squash, it seems like I’ll fit in just fine here in Des Moines after all.
Did I mention it’s warmer in Des Moines than it was in our previous home in Minnesota? And there’s less traffic and the people are friendly? We may have only been here for two weeks, but I can already say without a doubt I’m already enjoying our little slice of Des Moines. (Minnesota friends if you are reading this know, on the other hand, I miss you like crazy!!!) XOXO, have a lovely Monday and enjoy the salad!
- 1 acorn squash, halved and cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4-6 cups mixed greens
- [br]
- [b]For the dressing:[/b]
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dijon style mustard
- ¾ teaspoon unrefined salt
- 1-3 garlic cloves, peeled, and finely minced or put through a garlic press
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk (full fat), cream, or unsweetened, homemade coconut yogurt
- Preheat oven to 400˚ F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the butter and honey. Place hazelnuts in the bowl of a food processor and pulse quickly three times. Pour hazelnuts into melted honey butter bowl and mix until combined.
- Place acorn squash on a baking sheet and coat evenly with honey butter and hazelnuts. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until squash is fork tender.
- While squash is baking, whisk all of the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Divide mixed greens between plates and top with honey-roasted acorn squash, hazelnuts and balsamic dressing.
You had me at honey-roasted! Squash always goes bad at my place cause I never really seem to know what to do with it… Now I do!
http://www.daintydeeds.com
Looks so good! Squash is packed with so much nutrition and I’m trying to make it more for our family. Thanks for the recipe!
This looks REALLY good! And I just so happen to have an acorn squash so I might have to make this for lunch!
http://www.truncationblog.com
I totally agree about winter squash – so good. I especially like your addition of hazelnuts – I think hazelnuts are under appreciated. I’ve never added honey to squash before roasting – but will definitely have to try that soon.
I agree with you on the whole hazelnuts being under-appreciated thing! I feel like almonds are always the nuts getting all the attention.
I LOVE all squash, especially acorn squash. It is just sooo pretty. And dang delicious for that matter. I had no clue it was called “Des Moines squash”. I love fun facts for the day, so thanks for sharing that one. And thanks for sharing this salad! The honey glaze on the squash sounds amazing, and the addition of hazelnuts is just genius! This is my type of salad!! Pinned! Cheers, doll! xo
P.S. SO glad you are loving your new home!!!!
Aren’t fun facts great? I don’t care if people say they are useless — I love them! Haha. Let me know if you end up making the squash! I hope you like it dear. 🙂 Have a lovely Monday!
you had me with the squash 😀
Oh my goodness, this looks so tasty! I’m always looking for healthy recipes like this one! <3
Thanks Susannah! You’ll have to let me know what you think if you end up making it!
Seasonally sensational Lauren!! Pinned!
Aww thanks so much Mary Ann! 😀 Have a fabulous week!
SO many of my favorite flavors going on here!
Living in the acorn squash capital of the world? Pretty awesome. This is actually EXACTLY what I have been craving lately, seriously! This looks like the perfect combo of healthy and comforting, so perfect! Pinning!
This sounds absolutely amazing! I have become a big fan of butternut squash lately!
Thanks Tara! You could easily adapt the recipe and use butternut squash instead of acorn squash if you’d like. It would still taste great!
What a beautiful salad! Pinning!
Thanks so much for sharing!! 🙂