Get ready to celebrate the spooky season with a festive Halloween Salad that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. This vibrant dish combines wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for a quick yet nutritious meal. With roasted pumpkin and a medley of colorful veggies, this salad is both simple and versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Bring the Fall flavors to your table and enjoy a festive dish that everyone will love!
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 280
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 250mg
Why Make Halloween Salad
Halloween Salad is not just a seasonal dish; it offers numerous health benefits, too. Packed with protein-rich black beans and nutrient-dense pumpkin, it provides fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. The bright colors from the purple cabbage and mixed greens are not only eye-catching but also packed with antioxidants. Plus, it’s an easily adaptable recipe that can cater to various dietary preferences, making it ideal for gatherings or a healthy weeknight dinner.
How to Make Halloween Salad Step by Step
Ingredients
2 cups pumpkin, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups mixed salad greens
1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
3 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)
Directions
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, until tender and golden. In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, shredded cabbage, black beans, red onion, and roasted pumpkin. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Top with roasted pumpkin seeds and crumbled feta if using. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Halloween Salad
This Halloween Salad can be served on its own as a main dish or as a side to grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up any leftover dressing, or enjoy it alongside a warm soup for a cozy dinner. For a festive touch, serve it on a platter garnished with additional pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of feta.
How to Store Halloween Salad
Store any leftover Halloween Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The roasted pumpkin and salad greens can lose their crispness, so it’s best to keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it. Reheat the pumpkin in the oven or microwave before adding it back to the salad for an extra warmth. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the ingredients.
Expert Tips for Cooking Halloween Salad
- Roast the pumpkin until golden for a sweeter flavor and better texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color.
- Experiment with different dressings; a tahini or ranch dressing also pairs wonderfully with these ingredients.
- Make it vegan by omitting the feta cheese or replacing it with a plant-based alternative.
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu cubes.
Delicious Variations of Halloween Salad
For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or a splash of sriracha to the dressing. If you love herbs, toss in fresh parsley or cilantro for an aromatic touch. For a citrus twist, substitute lemon juice for the orange juice, giving your Halloween Salad a refreshing zing.
This Halloween Salad is a delightful addition to your seasonal recipes. Its layers of flavor and festive colors will make your meal special and memorable. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a healthy dinner, this salad is sure to please. Don’t miss out on this easy, flavorful, and versatile dish!
Halloween Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups pumpkin, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional) Can be omitted for a vegan variation
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, until tender and golden.
- In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, shredded cabbage, black beans, red onion, and roasted pumpkin.
Making the Dressing
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assembly
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Top with roasted pumpkin seeds and crumbled feta if using.
- Serve immediately.
