Thanksgiving Rainbow Chopped Salad

I’m a huge fan of salads, but I recognize for most people salad are more of a hot-weather food or something they relegate to the category of “I should eat this to be healthy.” So, with Thanksgiving coming up, I figured it might help to find a way to make an exciting Thanksgiving salad. And no, that’s not an oxymoron. This one uses a kaleidoscope of harvest fruits and veggies for a delicious side salad– or a main salad (see notes). And though I’ve suggested it for Thanksgiving, it’s good for any day of the week!

Ingredients:

(Serves 4 as a side)

•  Delicata squash (note you’ll only use half)
• 1 tsp olive oil + more for dressing
• Salt and pepper
• 4 handfuls preferred greens 
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced (~1/4 onion)
• 1/2 cup diced pink lady apple (~1/2 apple)
• 2 tbs roasted pumpkin seeds 
• 3 tbs pomegranate seeds
• Dressing- drizzle of honey, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar to taste 
• Optional- 2 tbs shaved parmesan 

Directions:

1. Squash first! Preheat oven to 400F. Cut squash into quarter moons, removing insides. Toss with 1 tsp olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bake for 25 min or until golden.
2. Meanwhile- salad time! Dice red onion and apple. Toss in bowl with greens, pumpkin and pomegranate seeds, and a dusting of cheese (optional). Cut squash into bite size pieces once roasted and add to bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Enjoy!

Notes:

• On preventing leftovers: I saved the other half of my squash for later and ate the other half of the apple. If you don’t want leftovers- just add it all in!
• On the squash: Delicate squash is unique in that you don’t need to remove the skin before roasting (hello time saver!). You do need to remove the insides– I actually use a grapefruit spoon but a normal spoon or knife would work too. Finally, you could cube your squash before roasting (since you’ll be cutting it after if you follow my way), but I find it easier to cut after when the squash is softer.
• On making this into a main course: This could serve 2 as a main, but I’d add protein (white beans or chicken) to make more filling.

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What if I want a yummy salad but not this one? Don’t worry-I have you covered. Try out these below:

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