Skip to Content

Za’atar Roasted Delicata Squash

Za’atar Roasted Delicata Squash is a delicious way to make this variety of squash. It mixes tender delicata squash that is spiced with za’atar and places it over a bed of greens, pickled red onions, pomegranate seeds, almonds, feta cheese and dried apricots and tops it with a light dressing. You will love this easy way to make delicata squash! 

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Squash with a dressing over them.

ZA’ATAR ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH

One of my favorite squash varieties to make is delicata squash.

You might remember this Parmesan Delicata Squash that I shared last year. It has been a favorite for many of you.

I love the texture and flavor of it and I think it looks beautiful on a holiday table. 

If you are wondering what Delicata Squash tastes like I think it tastes most like butternut squash.

It has a sweet, buttery flavor, but can also be compared to sweet potato, with its rich taste and moist texture.

You can eat the skin of the squash once cooked too which is a nice bonus. 

Today I am showing you how to make Za’atar Roasted Delicata Squash. 

This recipe is very easy to make and you can mix up the spices and use whatever you like. 

I love adding this delicata squash over a salad which I give you that option today. 

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Squash ingredients.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED TO MAKE ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH?

DELICATA SQUASH: The start of this salad is the delicata squash, also known as peanut squash, Bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash. 

Ripe delicata squash is yellow in color with green stripes along ribs. It should be firm and heavier than you expect it to be when you pick it up.

I avoid delicata squash that is light green (it’s unripe) or ones with lots of off-color spots which means it could be bad.

ZA’ATAR: Za’atar is one of my favorite Mediterranean spice blends. It often mixes earthy spices like cumin and coriander, with sesame seeds, salt and sumac.
 
In this recipe if you don’t have za’atar feel free to sub in your a different one of your favorite spice blends. 

AVOCADO OR OLIVE OIL

MIXED GREENS: You can use any blend of mixed greens you like. You also could just use arugula in this salad. I think the peppery flavor of the arugula goes great with the winter squash. 

 

PICKLED RED ONIONS: I love adding pickled onions to salads. You can use this link to make your own at home!

SLICED ALMONDS

FETA CHEESE 

POMEGRANATE SEEDS: I suggest not skipping these because they add a nice sweetness to the salad and also color. If you can’t find them then try adding berries like sliced strawberries or raspberries.  

DRIED APRICOTS: Dried apricots also adds sweetness and texture to the salad. You can sub in any dried fruit you like from dried cranberries, to raisins, to figs. 

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Squash over salad.

HOW DO I ROAST DELICATA SQUASH?

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Use two non-stick baking sheets or spray with cooking oil.

Slice each squash lengthwise in half and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into thigh half moon slices.

Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Squash roasting squash on a baking sheet.

Drizzle the olive oil over the squash along with za’atar, salt and black pepper. Toss the squash well to coat with the olive oil.

Lay each squash half on the baking sheet and bake on one side for 10-12 minutes {or until the first side is golden brown}.

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Squash with za'atar on it.

Flip the squash to the other side and cook for 10 more minutes or until golden brown and tender.

Remove from the oven and serve or let cool to add to salads. 

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Squash on a baking sheet.

 

 

 

 

HOW DO YOU MAKE THE SALAD DRESSING?

Add the extra virgin olive oil, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper to a mason jar or salad dressing container and mix well. 

A couple other dressing ideas that you could use are this Creamy Dill Dressing, Tahini Sauce or this Tahini Yogurt Dressing. 

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Squash dressing in a container.

IS DELICATA SQUASH HEALTHY?

This variety of squash is very nutritious!

It’s a good source of potassium and dietary fiber, and contains Vitamin C and B, magnesium and manganese.

But unlike most winter squash varieties, this squash is not as rich in beta-carotene.

IS DELICATA SQUASH SKIN EDIBLE?

This squash is named for its delicate and edible skin. The nice thing about it is you do not need to peel it! 

The texture is similar to butternut squash when roasted.

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Squash dressing drizzled on salads.

WHAT OTHER SQUASH CAN I USE IN THIS DELICATA SQUASH SALAD?

  • BUTTERNUT SQUASH

  • ACORN SQUASH 

  • BANANA SQUASH

  • BUTTERCUP SQUASH

  • CARNIVAL SQUASH

  • KABOCHA

  • HONEYNUT SQUASH

  • SPAGHETTI SQUASH

  • SWEET DUMPLING SQUASH

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Squash with pomegranate seeds.

WHAT CAN I SERVE THIS ZA’ATAR ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH WITH?

I love adding this delicata squash to so many meals. Here are a few of my favorites! 

Herb Butter Roasted Turkey

Moroccan Red Lentil Soup 

Healthy Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Cod

Homemade Minestrone Soup

Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs 

The Best Roast Beef Recipe 

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Squash with logo.

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Squash over salad.

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Sqash

Yield: 2-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Za'atar Roasted Delicata Squash is a delicious way to make this variety of squash. It mixes tender delicata squash that is spiced with za'atar and places it over a bed of greens, pickled red onions, pomegranate seeds, almonds, feta cheese and dried apricots and tops it with a light dressing.

Ingredients

  • 1 delicata squash, cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed, then cut into half rings
  • 2 teaspoons za’atar seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or other neutral oil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 6 cups mixed greens
  • 1/4 cup pickled red onion
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup dried apricots

FOR THE DRESSING

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons minced herbs {like parsley, chives and dill}
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Use two non-stick baking sheets or spray with cooking oil.
    2. Slice each squash lengthwise in half and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into thigh half moon slices. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
    3. Drizzle the olive oil over the squash along with za'atar, salt and black pepper. Toss the squash well to coat with the olive oil.
    4. Lay each squash half on the baking sheet and bake on one side for 10-12 minutes {or until the first side is golden brown}.
    5. Flip the squash to the other side and cook for 10 more minutes or until golden brown and tender.
    6. Remove from the oven and serve or let cool to add to salads.
    7. For the dressing, mix together the salad dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Set aside until ready to use.
    8. To assemble the salads, divide the greens between two bowls and top with the squash, pickled onion, almonds, feta, pomegranate seeds, and apricots.
    9. Drizzle with the dressing and serve immediately.

CommentLuv badge
Skip to Recipe