Pomegranate, Acorn Squash Arugula Salad

This super easy and even more delicious recipe is the perfect salad for a light dinner or a great side dish during the holidays.

Rich in flavor, easy to assemble. The acorn squash is an all-year-round vegetable and quite versatile as well. The outer shape is beneficial for guiding you while slicing it.

The arugula is the perfect balance with the pomegranate and acorn squash.

The squash and pomegranate are sweeter, and the arugula has a mustard bite, which plays a counterbalance. The pomegranate dressing binds it all together.

In this Article

What is Acorn squash?

Also called pepper squash or Des Moines squash, it is a winter squash with distinctive outer skin with longitude ridges on the exterior. A sweet yellow-orange internal flesh.

Even though it is considered a winter squash, the acorn squash belongs to the summer squash.

How to cook acorn squash?

It can be enjoyed roasted, baked, sliced, and stuffed. Excellent, any way you choose to prepare it.

The skin softens when roasted, and you can cut it thru easily with a fork to eat it. Or, of course, remove it if you prefer skin-free, as the skin will peel off easily.

Is acorn squash the same as butternut squash?

The butternut has a much smoother, nutty flavor and is sweeter. They can easily replace the pumpkin due to the texture.

Although the acorn squash is sweet, the texture is more fibrous and stringy, therefore not applicable to the same recipes.

Sauteed with butter brings out the sweetness of it, and baking in the oven finishes the cooking process.

What is Pomegranate?

A Mediterranean fruit, the pomegranate is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree of the family of Lythraceae.

The juicy arils of the fruit are eaten fresh, and the juice is the source of grenadine syrup used to flavor drinks, liquors, and desserts.

High in fiber, folic acid, vitamin C and K.

I just learned to peel a pomegranate, and now I cannot stop enjoying them. Always shy away from them each time. I used to make a huge mess, squish half of them and eat even less.

Now I use the same method I would peel an orange.

Life has smiled at me, and here is a recipe filled with those gorgeous purple burgundy nuggets. Life is good.

With this recipe, you will enjoy pomegranate juice and pomegranate seeds.

One method is to squeeze the arils, and you have to extract the juice. Or buying the pressed juice, my favorite part, so you will not have to mess up your kitchen.

Cooking tips and step-by-step instructions for making this fantastic pomegranate seeds, acorn squash, and arugala salad.

Super easy to make this savory acorn squash recipe.

• I start by making the pomegranate dressing. The longer the juices sit with the vinegar, the deeper the flavor.
• Cut the acorn squash along the indentations to create even wedges.
• If your squash is hard, boil some water. Once it reaches the boiling point, add your squash and cook for 1 minute. Remove immediately and place under cold running water. This process will soften the outer skin.
• Saute the slices with your butter in a large skillet. You will have to do it in batches as you do not want to overcrowd your skillet. If you use water to soften your acorn, saute each side for 3 minutes.
• Once the wedges are golden, transfer them to a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the cookie sheet in a hot oven and bake for about 20 minutes. All ovens are different. Therefore, make sure they do not burn or fall apart under your eyes.
• While the wedges are roasting, prepare the toasted pine nuts.
• Once the squash is out of the oven, mix the arugula, pomegranate seeds, and pine nuts in a large bowl. Drizzle half of the dressing and it mix well.
• Divide the arugula between four plates. Top with the squash and more of the dressing.

Serving this dish at a large gathering?

Present it on a large platter by placing the arugula salad first. Placing your wedges over and drizzle the remainder of the dressing over it.

Can you make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Prepare the acorn squash and mix it with the arugula and the pomegranate dressing when ready to serve it.

Storage and reheating instructions

Store in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

No need to reheat it. However, please bring it back to room temperature so the oil can be more enjoyable when ready to eat it.

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Originally published on October 8, 2020.