Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of colors, it’s the perfect time to elevate my salad game. Enter the Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons—a delightful twist on a classic that marries the creamy richness of traditional Caesar flavors with the seasonal warmth of roasted squash. What I adore about this recipe is not only its quick prep time but also its adaptability; it’s a hearty meal that shines as either a main dish or a festive side for Thanksgiving gatherings. With massaged kale, nutty parmesan, and crispy squash croutons, this salad invites you to savor every autumn bite. Are you ready to dig into a dish that captures the essence of fall? Why is this salad a must-try? Seasonal Delight: The Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons captures the essence of fall with its vibrant flavors and colors. Quick Prep: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Nutrient-Packed: Featuring kale and squash, this salad is not only satisfying but also boasts impressive amounts of vitamins and fiber. Versatile Base: Customize with your choice of proteins—try adding grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even chickpeas for extra heartiness. Elevated Flavor: The combination of creamy dressing, nutty parmesan, and crunchy squash croutons makes every bite a taste sensation. Perfect for Gatherings: This salad shines at festive occasions like Thanksgiving, serving beautifully as both a side or a main event dish. If you’re looking for more colorful sides, consider pairing it with Garlic Roasted Vegetables or Pasta Salad Cups. Autumn Caesar Salad Ingredients • Get ready to embrace the flavors of fall with this scrumptious Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons. For the Salad Base Kale – A hearty base that softens beautifully when massaged, enhancing its chewability. Prefer whole leaves for a better texture! Delicata Squash – A sweet, creamy crouton alternative; no peeling required as its skin is tender and adds delightful crunch. For the Croutons Panko Breadcrumbs – Provide extra crispiness to the squash croutons; can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Parmesan Cheese – Infuses the dish with a rich umami flavor; swap for nutritional yeast for a vegan touch. For the Dressing Olive Oil – Essential for both roasting and massaging; opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil to boost flavor. Salt & Pepper – Key seasonings that elevate the dish; adjust to your taste during salad assembly. Caesar Dressing – The creamy dressing ties everything together; choose homemade for a fresh twist or store-bought for convenience. Optional Toppings Toasted Nuts – Add a delightful crunch; try pine nuts or walnuts for a flavor variation. Chicken or Chickpeas – Enhance the salad’s heartiness with shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled sausages, or even protein-rich chickpeas. Dive into this captivating Autumn Caesar Salad and let the flavors of the season sweep you off your feet! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons Step 1: Prepare the Kale Begin by rinsing and destemming the kale, then finely chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kale in a large bowl and add a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Massage the kale with your hands for about 3-5 minutes until it softens and turns vibrantly green, creating a tender base for your Autumn Caesar Salad. Step 2: Roast Squash Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the delicata squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and cut it into half-moon shapes. In a mixing bowl, toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Transfer the squash pieces to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced out. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown, stirring halfway through for even cooking. Step 3: Prepare Croutons While the squash roasts, prepare the crouton mixture. In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese. Once the squash is tender, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the squash, gently tossing to coat. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes until the topping is crispy and golden, completing the delightful croutons for your Autumn Caesar Salad. Step 4: Assemble Salad In the large bowl with the massaged kale, add the crispy roasted delicata squash croutons. If desired, include toasted nuts for added texture. Finish by showering shaved parmesan over the top and drizzling with Caesar dressing. Toss all ingredients together gently, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the textures vibrant and inviting, making this Autumn Caesar Salad a true autumn delight. Tips for the Best Autumn Caesar Salad Massage Well: Take your time massaging the kale; this step is crucial for achieving a tender, delicious base in your Autumn Caesar Salad. Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the delicata squash pieces snugly on the baking sheet to ensure proper roasting and maximum crispiness for your croutons. Adjusting Flavor: Taste and adjust salt and pepper during assembly. This small step can elevate the dish significantly! Dressing Choice: For added richness, consider making your own Caesar dressing with simple ingredients—this enhances the overall freshness of the salad. Prep Ahead: Prep kale and croutons in advance, but assemble the salad just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch! Make Ahead Options These Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the kale and dressing up to 3 days in advance; simply massage the kale and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and vibrant. The delicata squash can be roasted and stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours, maintaining its delightful texture. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the squash in the oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore its crispiness before assembling the salad with the kale, roasted squash croutons, and dressing. Enjoy a tasty, stress-free meal that saves you time and effort on busy autumn weeknights! How to Store and Freeze Autumn Caesar Salad Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain texture and flavor. Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing the assembled salad, as kale may become mushy once thawed. Instead, freeze the squash croutons in a sealed container for up to 1 month and reheat in the oven. Reheating: If you have extra squash croutons, reheat them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again. They make a delightful addition to future salads! Prep Tips: For meal prep, you can store massaged kale and roasted squash croutons separately to maintain their freshness until you’re ready to enjoy your Autumn Caesar Salad. Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons Variations Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the Autumn Caesar Salad, making it uniquely yours with every bite! Protein Boost: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled sausages for a heartier salad, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Chickpeas: For a vegetarian twist, toss in some seasoned chickpeas; their creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the kale. Squash Swap: Swap delicata squash for butternut squash or acorn squash for a different flavor profile and texture. Nutty Variation: Use walnuts instead of pine nuts for a robust, earthy flavor that complements the autumnal vibes of the salad. Dairy-Free Option: Replace parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan for a creamy texture without dairy. Dressing Alternatives: Try a lemon-tahini dressing for a zesty twist, or a balsamic vinaigrette to change up the flavor profile entirely. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the roasted squash, enhancing the aromatic experience with every bite. Spice it Up: For a little kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha over the top before serving. If you’re interested in other savory sides to complement your main dish, check out this delicious Mexican Street Salad or the refreshing Summer Berry Salad. What to Serve with Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons Embrace the season’s bounty and create a delightful autumn feast with these perfect pairings! Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of vegetables, creating a colorful and aromatic side that beautifully complements the salad. Herb Grilled Chicken: The juicy, seasoned chicken adds protein and a savory depth that balances the creamy flavors of the Caesar dressing. Quinoa Pilaf: Light and fluffy, quinoa pilaf offers a nutty texture that pairs wonderfully with the tender kale, making every bite a wholesome delight. Savory Pumpkin Soup: This creamy soup warms the soul and echoes the autumnal theme while adding comforting richness to your meal. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The crunchy exterior and tender inside of Brussels sprouts bring an earthy flavor, providing an excellent contrast to the salad’s textures. Mulled Apple Cider: This fragrant, spiced drink enhances the seasonal essence of the meal, offering a sweet and warming beverage to sip between bites. Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons Recipe FAQs What type of kale should I use for this salad? Absolutely! I recommend using lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale. Its broad, dark leaves hold up well and have a mild flavor when massaged, ensuring the best texture for your Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons. How long can I store leftovers? You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. If the kale starts to wilt, it’s time to say goodbye! Can I freeze the squash croutons? Yes, you can! To freeze, let your roasted delicata squash croutons cool completely, then place them in a sealed container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re crispy again. Why is my kale still tough after massaging? If your kale feels tough even after massaging, don’t worry! Make sure you’re giving it enough time—around 3 to 5 minutes should suffice. If you’re still having trouble, you can try adding a bit more lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to help tenderize it further. What should I do if I don’t have delicata squash? Very! You can easily substitute delicata squash with butternut squash or acorn squash, which also roast beautifully. Follow the same preparation method, ensuring you cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Absolutely! You can make this a completely vegan dish by substituting the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and opting for a dairy-free Caesar dressing. This way, everyone can enjoy the delightful flavors of the Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons! Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons Bliss Experience the flavors of fall with this Autumn Caesar Salad featuring roasted delicata squash croutons—a delightful and nutritious twist on a classic. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad Base1 bunch Kale Prefer whole leaves for a better texture1 medium Delicata Squash No peeling requiredFor the Croutons1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Swap for nutritional yeast for a vegan optionFor the Dressing3 tablespoons Olive Oil Opt for high-quality extra virginto taste Saltto taste Pepper1/2 cup Caesar Dressing Homemade or store-boughtOptional Toppings1/4 cup Toasted Nuts Pine nuts or walnuts recommended1 cup Chicken or Chickpeas For added heartiness Equipment OvenLarge BowlBaking sheetMixing bowlParchment paper Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsBegin by rinsing and destemming the kale. Chop into bite-sized pieces, place in a bowl, sprinkle with salt and lemon juice, and massage for 3-5 minutes.Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), slice the delicata squash, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 20-25 minutes.Prepare the crouton mixture by mixing panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then coat the squash and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes.In the large bowl with massaged kale, add the crispy squash croutons, toasted nuts if desired, shaved parmesan, and drizzle with dressing. Toss to combine. Nutrition Serving: 1saladCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg NotesFor the best Autumn Caesar Salad, massage the kale well and adjust seasoning as needed. Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain freshness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!