Imagine a salad so irresistible that it transforms your ordinary lunch into a gourmet experience. This goat cheese and pumpkin salad is not just a dish—it's a culinary journey that combines the creamy richness of goat cheese, the earthy sweetness of roasted pumpkin, and the crunch of toasted walnuts. Perfect for those seeking a quick, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe will become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup pumpkin, cubed
- 100g goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel the pumpkin and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubed pumpkin with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Spread the pumpkin cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are golden and pumpkin is tender.
- While pumpkin roasts, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create the dressing. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once pumpkin is roasted and slightly cooled, arrange mixed salad greens on a serving platter.
- Distribute roasted pumpkin cubes evenly over the greens. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts on top.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Serve immediately while pumpkin is still warm.
Tips
- Choose a sweet, firm pumpkin variety like sugar pumpkin or butternut squash for the best roasting results.
- Ensure pumpkin cubes are similar in size for even roasting.
- Toast walnuts carefully—they can burn quickly, so keep stirring and watch closely.
- Use fresh, high-quality goat cheese for maximum flavor.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain the greens' crispness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the roasting pumpkin.
- If you prefer a warmer salad, serve the pumpkin straight from the oven.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
