Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons Recipe

Autumn Caesar Salad upgrades classic romaine with roasted delicata squash rings as crunchy, caramelized “croutons,” creamy Caesar dressing, and shaved Parmesan for seasonal warmth. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s a hearty side for fall dinners.

Why This Recipe Works

• Delicata squash roasts into crisp-edged bites mimicking croutons with natural sweetness.
• No bread keeps it gluten-free and veggie-forward.
• Traditional Caesar dressing ties creamy tang to autumn flavors.
• Kale adds sturdy texture that holds dressing well.
• Make-ahead components streamline serving.

Ingredients & Prep

Roasted Squash Croutons:

• 2 medium delicata squash, sliced into ¼-inch rings, seeds removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Salad:

• 1 head romaine, chopped
• 2 cups baby kale
• ½ cup shaved Parmesan
• ¼ cup toasted pepitas

Caesar Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss squash rings with oil, salt, and pepper; spread on parchment-lined sheet.
2. Roast 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp-edged. Cool slightly.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth; adjust seasoning.
4. Toss romaine and kale with ½ dressing in large bowl.
5. Top with squash croutons, Parmesan shavings, pepitas, and extra dressing. Serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Store roasted squash and dressing separately up to 3 days refrigerated. Assemble fresh to maintain crunch.

FAQs

Squash soggy?
Roast at high heat, single layer, don’t overcrowd.

Dressing thick?
Thin with water or more lemon juice.

No delicata?
Use acorn squash or sweet potato rounds.

Conclusion

Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons blends cozy fall harvest with Caesar classics crisp, creamy, and effortlessly elegant.

Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons Recipe

Print Recipe

A cozy, autumn-inspired Caesar salad featuring crisp greens, a creamy garlicky dressing, shaved Parmesan, and irresistible roasted delicata squash croutons for the perfect seasonal twist.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Roasted
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium delicata squash, halved, seeded, and sliced into half-moons
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Salad:
• 6 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
• 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan
• 1/3 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• Caesar Dressing:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 2–3 tbsp water (to thin)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
• 2. Toss delicata squash slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on the baking sheet.
• 3. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and slightly crispy.
• 4. In a bowl, whisk together mayo, Dijon, lemon juice, Worcestershire, garlic, grated Parmesan, and water until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
• 5. Add greens to a large bowl and drizzle with dressing. Toss gently to coat.
• 6. Top with shaved Parmesan and roasted pumpkin seeds.
• 7. Arrange roasted delicata squash pieces on top as “croutons.”
• 8. Serve immediately while squash is warm.

Notes

• Delicata squash keeps its shape and skin stays tender—no peeling required.
• Add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for protein.
• For extra crunch, roast squash longer to deepen caramelization.
• Dressing can be doubled and stored for 3–4 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: autumn salad, delicata squash salad, fall caesar salad