Here is a scrumptious wholesome roasted pumpkin salad with roasted red onion, arugula, pearl couscous pumpkin seeds… What a top notch vegetarian dinner or side dish!
This must be the 10th pumpkin recipe that I am making in 2 weeks time.
And today I think it is time for a highly delicious roasted pumpkin salad!
Fresh Pumpkin
Because that is what happens when you buy one huge pumpkin one day at the supermarket without realising in time it is only the hubs and me at home really.
Anyway, the pumpkin looked truly massive.
But I have to say that we didn’t have a lot of trouble eating our way through it.
I like a good old fashioned challenge in the kitchen.
I am all in for this one.
Let the pumpkin brainstorm begin!
Easy Roasted Pumpkin Salad Recipe
Hang on a minute.
Pumpkin?
Squash soup, pumpkin spaghetti sauce with bacon, pumpkin gnocchi, pumpkin hummus, pumpkin ravioli…
Do you want me to go on?
So a roasted pumpkin salad it is for dinner tonight as well then!
Well if you ask me I think that pumpkin is quite an amazing but underrated vegetable.
You can now get it (almost) all year round but I prefer to keep it as a treat for the colder darker autumn days.
It is fantastic hearty comfort food. But I guess I will go for a smaller one next time.
Pearl Couscous
The one I bought was huge.
I went for a chunky roasted pumpkin salad this time because I wanted the pumpkin to be the star of our dinner!
Roasted pumpkin with red onions, arugula and pearl couscous.
That sounds just perfect to me.
All in all this one is a wholesome, filling, rustic but still quite a light roasted pumpkin salad!
Pumpkin
Are you looking for more winter pumpkin recipes?
Then you should also check out my pumpkin and carrot soup with crunchy ham and cheese grilled sandwiches!
The perfect treat for a cold autumn or winter day.
You will love this scrumptious wholesome roasted pumpkin salad with roasted red onion, arugula, pearl couscous pumpkin seeds…
A top notch vegetarian dinner or side dish!
Enjoy!
Easy Roasted Pumpkin Salad Recipe
Roasted pumpkin salad with red onion, arugula and pearl couscous...
- 1 lb fresh pumpkin (450 g)
- 2 handfuls fresh arugula
- a handful pumpkin seeds
- 1 medium red onion peeled
- 6 oz pearl couscous (170 g)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cups vegetable stock (300 ml)
- olive oil
- ground cinnamon
- ground cumin
- pepper
- salt
Slice the pumpkin into pieces. Chop the red onion roughly. Then add both to a mixing bowl. Season with a sprinkle of pepper and salt, cumin and cinnamon. Drizzle with some olive oil. Give the ingredients a good stir.
Then pour the vegetables on a baking tray. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 430°F (220°C). Bake the pumpkin and red onion for 20 minutes until soft. Once cooked through, remove the tray from the oven and then let the roasted pumpkin and onion rest at room temperature until cooled down.
In the meantime prepare the pearl couscous. Pour the vegetable stock in a small saucepan. Place it over high heat until boiling. Then add the couscous.
Turn the heat low and cover the pan. Let the couscous swell in the hot stock for about 7 minutes or until tender. Don't add butter or olive oil. Once cooked, let the couscous cool down.
Transfer the cooled pumpkin and onion to a bowl, add with lemon juice and arugula. Check the seasoning and add extra pepper or salt to taste.
- Then divide the couscous over deep plates (if the couscous is too sticky, rinse it under cold water in a sieve) and top with the pumpkin salad. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds. Serve.
What pumpkin is best to roast in the oven?
The best type of pumpkin to roast in the oven is a sugar pumpkin, also known as a pie pumpkin.
This type of pumpkin is smaller and sweeter than other varieties and has a smooth, creamy texture when cooked.
Do I have to peel pumpkin before cooking?
Not necessarily, you do not have to peel the pumpkin before roasting it in the oven.
The skin will soften and become edible during the roasting process.
It is up to you!
Is pumpkin healthy?
Yes, pumpkin is a very healthy food.
It is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Pumpkin is also a good source of antioxidants and beta–carotene, which can help protect against certain diseases.
Can you freeze cooked pumpkin for later?
Yes, you can freeze cooked pumpkin for later use.
To do so, allow the cooked pumpkin to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the cooked pumpkin to an airtight container or freezer–safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Can you freeze raw pumpkin for later?
Yes, you can freeze raw pumpkin for later use.
To do so, peel and cut the pumpkin into small cubes or slices. Arrange the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to an airtight container or freezer–safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
