Forget boring salad recipes with this delicious roasted pumpkin, kale and walnut salad. Made with a tangy and zesty orange dressing and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and goats cheese, this roasted pumpkin salad is easy to whip together and will guarantee no leftovers! So, why settle for the ordinary when you can indulge in this sensational creation? It's a delightful journey for your taste buds—a celebration of flavours, textures, and vibrant ingredients that will make every bite a moment to savour. 

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Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Walnut & Kale

This roasted pumpkin salad with walnut and kale is the furthest from a boring salad! Full of sweet, zesty, creamy and tangy flavours, this will send you to foodie heaven. But here's the best part—it's not just incredibly delicious, it's also incredibly nutritious! Jam-packing it with wholesome ingredients makes this salad a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Nourishing your body will always make you feel amazing inside and out! 

Jazzing up the kale!

This kale is drizzled with a beautiful tangy dressing that is then massaged into the leaves. It will leave the kale soft and tender. The pumpkin is roasted to caramelised perfection and seasoned with cinnamon, cumin and a touch of honey. I can guarantee that whenever this salad is brought to a party or placed on the dinner table, there will be zero leftovers.

Roasted Pumpkin

The real star of this show is the pumpkin! I absolutely love roasting pumpkin - and doing it correctly! Firstly, we need to season it well. I like to use a mix of spices such as cumin and cinnamon. As they are quite strong flavours, not much else is needed! Secondly, for that perfect caramelisation to the pumpkin skin drizzle it with a little honey. And lastly, always season with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake until soft and tender. Eating the pumpkin on its own is perfect, but this salad is even better.

What you need for this pumpkin salad recipe

Make this salad to your own personal taste! This is how I like it.

Kale

I must admit, I used to have a bit of a love-hate relationship with kale myself. This was, of course, before I learnt how to cook with it correctly. The key to transforming kale from a tough, bitter green to a tender and soft delight lies in the art of massaging. Yes, you heard that right! Give your kale a little TLC by massaging it. Then, give it a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a delectable salad dressing. Think of it like a mini spa session for the leaves, tenderising them and infusing them with flavour. And, if you've been a kale hater like I once was, trust me on this one – it's a game-changer that will make you fall head over heels for this vibrant and nutrient-packed green. 

Walnuts

You can use any seed or nut you like for that crunchy element, but walnuts are my top pick for pumpkin salad recipes like this. These little wonders possess a unique combination of buttery richness and earthy undertones that perfectly complement the other ingredients in this salad. Their smooth, creamy texture provides a lovely contrast to the crispness of the greens and the creaminess of the dressing. And let's not forget about their nutritional benefits - walnuts are packed with heart-healthy fats, essential minerals, and antioxidants, making them a wholesome addition to any meal. 

Dressing

The dressing is like a magical elixir that brings all the flavours of this pumpkin salad recipe together in perfect harmony. In this recipe, I've used a delicious salad dressing that complements the vibrant ingredients and elevates the taste to new heights. Zesty, tangy, and with sweet notes, this dressing adds a burst of flavour that dances on your taste buds.

Pumpkin (or Butternut Squash) 

This vibrant and versatile vegetable takes centre stage in this salad, showcasing its natural sweetness and earthy flavour. But remember - the key to pumpkin perfection lies in seasoning and roasting it just right.

Pomegranate seeds

While they look absolutely stunning in pumpkin salad recipes, they also add the perfect tart and fresh component. The pomegranate seeds create a striking visual contrast against the vibrant green kale and the warm hues of the roasted pumpkin. Firstly, it's like a masterpiece on your plate, an edible work of art. And it's not just that, but it satisfies your palate as well as delights your eyes! 

Goats cheese 

This is the ingredient that brings everything together! Soft goats cheese adds a luxurious and indulgent element to the pumpkin salad. Creamy texture and slightly tangy flavour, it creates a delightful contrast to the other ingredients. Overall, goat's cheese enhances flavours and brings a melt-in-your-mouth richness to each bite.

Check out my other salad recipes at Daen’s Kitchen: 

Peach Salad with Garlic Confit Dressing

Basil Garlic Pesto Summer Salad

Egg Salad with Avocado

Crispy Crumbed Chicken and Bacon Salad

Tomato & Burrata Salad

If you make this recipe, please tag me on Instagram, Tik Tok or Pinterest so I can see your wonderful creations!

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