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My roasted Pumpkin, Cranberry and Almond Salad is perfect for any occasion or family gathering.
However, I’m thinking that with Christmas just around the corner, this roasted pumpkin salad will be ideal as a colourful and nutritious side dish. As an added bonus, for those who have family or friends with specific dietary requirements, it is also vegan, gluten free and dairy free.
Don’t be deterred by the fact that you need to roast the pumpkin. I do understand that many salads comprise ingredients that don’t require cooking and are quick to get on the table. However, this really is extremely easy to prepare. There’s a total of 30 minutes cooking time. The end result is pleasing; the gentle caramelisation that occurs with the roasting intensifies the pumpkin’s sweet flavour. Whilst that is occurring, you can get on with preparing the other ingredients.
On a large serving platter, I first prepare a bed of peppery rocket.
Into the oven, whilst the pumpkin is roasting, I add a small tray of flaked almonds. The roasting makes them crispy and enhances their nuttiness. I pick the leaves from a few stems of fragrant mint and have my dried cranberries ready. That’s the ever-so-simple salad part. The Apple Cider Vinaigrette is equally simple; place all the ingredients into a screw-top jar and shake well to emulsify them.
I’ve decided to make roasted butternut pumpkin the star of the salad. Peeling and slicing a butternut pumpkin is much easier than most pumpkins. Some require a great deal of strength to remove the skin and slice through the flesh. Although, to be honest, depending on the dish I am making, I don’t always remove the skin. Leaving the skin on increases the nutritional value and becomes sufficiently soft to eat. The negative with some pumpkins is that, without sufficient attention, they quickly become soft and mushy. So that’s another point in favour of the butternut; it holds its shape, which is much more aesthetically pleasing.
When the pumpkin is roasted, allow it to sit for a few minutes to settle. Fresh from the oven, it would quickly wilt the rocket. After a brief time, arrange the pumpkin on the rocket. The soft, slightly warm, squash is a great contrast to the cooling greens. Distribute the dried cranberries, toasted flaked almonds and mint leaves, and then drizzle with the dressing.
This salad is not only nutritious, but it is full of delicious flavours. The combination of the roasted pumpkin with the tangy, dried cranberries is complemented by the peppery rocket, toasted, crunchy almond flakes and the sweetness of aromatic mint. It is an appetite-stimulating combination.
You can easily customise the salad according to your taste and the ingredients you have on hand.
I sit the roasted pumpkin on a bed of rocket, but baby spinach leaves or watercress are sufficiently sturdy to stand up to the roasted pumpkin. I use dried cranberries, the slightly sweetened ones. However, pomegranate arils or golden raisins would also work well. And you could switch up the flaked almonds. Toasted pumpkin seeds, pine nuts or pecans would also be suitable.
If you would like to make the salad more substantial, whilst still keeping it vegan, you could add some canned chickpeas. Some crumbled, fresh, goat cheese is also a delicious vegetarian option if you don’t need to keep it vegan. And if you’re catering for a large number of people, simply increase the number of ingredients.
I love the colours of the salad; the orange of the pumpkin, the deep red of the cranberries and the vibrant green accent of the rocket and mint. To obtain maximum nutrition, a health tip these days is to “eat a rainbow”. You’re off to a good start with this recipe.
If you try it, please let me know in the comments below.
You may also like to check out some more Delicious Salad Recipes!
Xx Alex
Pumpkin, Cranberry & Almond Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 500 g butternut pumpkin (squash) after peeling *
- 20 ml olive oil extra virgin
- 10 g flaked almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries * slightly sweetened
- 1/4 cup mint leaves fresh
- 50 g rocket/arugula leaves *
- sea salt flakes and ground black pepper to taste
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 60 ml olive oil extra virgin
- 20 ml apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp caster sugar superfine
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- sea salt flakes and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 200 Degrees C (400 F).
- Prepare the ingredients for the Apple Cider Vinaigrette.In a small glass with a tightly fitting lid, add all ingredients and shake to combine.Taste the dressing and if the taste is not to your palate, adjust the ingredients accordingly until it has the balance you enjoy.
- Peel the pumpkin.
- Cut the pumpkin into 3cm/1” cubes.Wash and dry the pumpkin well.
- Place the pumpkin in a bowl, toss well with the olive oil, salt and pepper.
Turn the pumpkin onto a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper. - Roast the pumpkin in the pre-heated oven for 20-30 mins, turning once or twice, until the pumpkin is tender when tested with a skewer.*
- Meanwhile, place the flaked almonds on a small baking tray and roast in the oven for about 4-5 minutes.*
- Place the rocket leaves on a large serving platter.When the pumpkin is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.Distribute the pumpkin on the rocket.
- Evenly sprinkle with the cranberries, flaked almonds and mint.
- Pour dressing over the salad, and serve immediately.
I’m always on the lookout for new salad recipes. This salad sounds yummy I want to try making it!
Thank you Jocelyn, I do hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
Alonds taste really great in salads.. But pumpkin, that’s what I haven’t tried before. I have to give it a try.. ?
I do hope you enjoy it; I love the textural and flavour contrasts. 🙂
That sounds so great.. I love pumpkins, it taste great and so healthy.. Thanks for sharing this recipe.. ?
Hi Geraline, I am so pleased that you like the recipe;e. Please let me know if you try the salad. 🙂
I bet this would be a really great salad to swap out with seasonal ingredients for any time of the year!
Riana, you could certainly customise this recipe to suit your own taste. Let me know how it goes. 🙂
I am going to share this with hubby. He has been wanting to do something just like this. Thanks for sharing.
I am so pleased that you like the salad. 🙂
Omg can we say yum?!? This salad looks absolutely delicious!!! Must make!!!
You are very welcome to say yum!! 🙂 🙂
I’ve never had a salad like this before. Sounds like an interesting combination.
I look forward to hearing if you try it Shannon. 🙂
Great recipe! the salad looks mouth-watering. Would love to try it out. I love cranberry and pumpkins along with it is unbeatable.
Thank you, please let me know if you make the salad. 🙂
This looks amazing. I think I would add Japanese sweet potato to the salad to complement the pumpkin.
That sounds like a great addition; please let me know how you enjoy it. 🙂
This looks like a delicious and fresh salad! I would totally maks this in the fall time.
That’s great Britney; please let me know how you enjoy it. 🙂
OMG this looks so delicious.. I think I am going to have to try it!
That’s great Blake, please let me know how you enjoy it. 🙂
I’m always hesitant to make my own salad that includes things like fruit and nuts…but then I try it and it’s delicious! I might have to just try this. 🙂
Please let me know if you do Nicole, I am keen to know if you enjoy it. 🙂
This looks delicious. I like how your recipes are simple, healthy and tasty all at once.
Thank you for the great feedback Bindu, it is much appreciated. 🙂
This looks like the perfect way to keep warm this winter!! I just love this option as a salad during this time of the year!
Thank you Fran, I am so pleased that you like the recipe. 🙂
This will be a great recipe for the fall, no matter where you are in the world. It seems pretty easy to conquer, yet looks like you spent a lot of time on it.
Thank you Sam, I am really pleased that you like the recipe. 🙂
This looks so yummy and healthy! I like how simple it looks but with so many nutrients! Thank you for the recipe!
Thank you Sondra, am delighted that you like the recipe. Please let me know if you try it. 🙂
Hmm yum! This Salad looks soooo delicious! Can’t wait to try this.
It is a lovely salad; please let me know if you try it. 🙂
I’ve never thought of mixing pumpkin and cranberry. I’ll have to give that a go!
Jenni, I feel that the flavours work well together. I do hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
Great recipe find for me today. I just got some butternut squash and I have been thinking what to do with it. Now I know! I will make a salad! Thanks for sharing this delicious and healthy recipe!
This is a great use for butternut squash Annemarie, I do hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
This looks so good and healthy. Something that I should be eating a lot.
There are a lot of nutrients here Garf, but the best part is it also tastes good. 🙂
It looks delicious.
Thank you so much, I am pleased that you like the recipe. 🙂
I love pumpkin and I’m too see recipes for it now. Usually I have to wait until October!
This is one for you to save for later Ching. 🙂
This looks amazing! The combination with almonds is delicious and pretty simple to prepare too.
Arya, it is simple, full of nutrients and so delicious. I do hope that you try it. 🙂
This looks yum and very healthy! I’ve never actually cooked with pumpkin…might have to try it!
It is a lovely salad Natalie, please let me know if you try it. 🙂
YUM!!
I totally agree. 🙂 🙂
I’ve only tried pumpkin a couple of times but this recipe looks delicious. Definitely going to try out. Thanks for sharing!
I look forward to hearing how you enjoy the salad. 🙂
I love a good pumpkin salad but never had a combo with almonds before so curious about the texture.
The almonds add great textural contrast against the pumpkin. Please let me know if you try the salad. 🙂
Great recipe, looks very tasty and nutritious!
It is indeed Amy, and it is easily made. Win win! 🙂
I like a colourful salad and this is just it! I’m not a huge fan of pumpkins but I’m willing to try this out 🙂
Annabel, I also like salads to be colourful. I like food which is visually appealing as well as tasting good. 🙂
Wow this salad looks delicious and healthy too! I’ll make sure to try it out soon
Please let me know how you enjoy it Ritu. 🙂
That looks delicious! I usually love a salad in the summer but this weather needs to dry up first
I look forward to hearing that you have tried the salad; it will mean nice weather. 🙂
yummmm!!! I am so gonna make this tonight. I love healthy and tasty salads. Thank you so much for the awesome recipe.
Thank you for the lovely comment Chad. I do hope that you enjoy the salad. 🙂
What a colourful salad. It looks beautiful.
Thank you Lyndsey, I like colourful salads and the various colours mean a greater variety of nutrients. I do hope that you try it. 🙂
Wow that roasted pumpkin salad looks so delicious. I’m trying this one for sure! I love the mix of pumpkin and cranberries.
Thank you Ingrida, I am so pleased that you like the salad. I do hope that you try it. 🙂
I absolutely love butternut squash and I’m always looking at new ways to cook with it.
My favourite is soup but this is a great summer alternative.
It does make delicious soup Claire, one of my favourites. I hope that you also enjoy the salad. 🙂
I love tasty snacks and that look delicious, will have to give the recipe a go.
Hi Evan, I look forward to hearing how you enjoy the salad. 🙂
What a great combination of flavours and textures. It is nice to have a bit of crunch in the salad and the almonds would give that!
Hi Mandi, thank you for the great comments. I also agree about the importance of textures and flavours in food. Please let me know if you make the salad. 🙂
this looks really delicious! My mom would love it too I am going to have to share with her!
That sounds like a great idea Ashli. I do hope that you and your mother enjoy this salad. 🙂
I genuinely love salads. I would not have thought of using pumpkin and cranberries together, what a fab idea!
Thank you Sarah, I am pleased that you like the recipe; please let me know if you try it. 🙂
Pumpkin pie is one of my favourite desserts so you better be sure I am trying to make this pumpkin salad as well. Not such a big fan of cranberry though, what do you think I can replace it with? 😀
I am so pleased that you will make the salad. In place of the cranberries you could use dried cherries or pomegranate arils. 🙂
This looks delicious. I love a good salad, especially if it has my favorite ingredients in it!
It’s such a colourful, nutritious salad Alicia; a great side dish. 🙂
omg this salad looks so delicious! I want to try making if for sure!!!
Thank you Brittany, I do hope that you enjoy the salad.:)
This pumpkin cranberry almond salad looks yum. I am yet to try pumpkin in salad. Usually make curries and soup.
Thank you Swathi, please let me know if you try it. 🙂
This is exactly what I was looking for! I’m starting a new diet and I’m trying to incorporate more salads into it. After a while I get bored about the taste of my salads and didn’t know how to make it different. I’m trying this one for sure! I love the mix of pumpkin and cranberries.
Candace Hampton
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Thank you Candace, we have lots of lovely salads on the blog. I do hope that you enjoy them. 🙂
I make similar thing with pumpkin. This looks nice, I will try out this too.
I do hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
This looks delicious. I’d like to make this when I have a family gathering because the cook time for just myself seems too much of a hassle.
It’s a great side dish for entertaining Brittany, I do hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
Your new salad recipe is something I want to learn in addition to our healthier food lifestyle. I will prepare this for our weekend snacking!
I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it Blair. 🙂
Love anything with pumpkin! Will try this out
I agree Devyani, and there’s some great nutrition in this recipe. 🙂
I love everything with pumpkin so I am sure I will love this one too. Will save this recipe!
Thank you for saving it; it’s a lovely fresh tasting salad. I do hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
It might be hard to find fresh pumpkin this time of year. So I will try making this with butternut squash.
Butternut squash will be perfect Tara, enjoy! 🙂
This sound like a very intriguing salad. I never thought about combining the sweet pumpkin with the tangy cranberry.
There are some great combinations of flavour and texture here Joanna. I do hope that you try it. 🙂
This sounds phenomenal and so perfect for the FALL!! I wish fall were coming instead of summer – that being said, hey, FALL IS COMING, it’s just right after all these crazy hot months! It will be a gift to me for dealing with summer, LOL!
We are currently enjoying autumn (fall). It is my favourite time of year. But don’t despair, fall is on its way to you. 🙂 Perhaps you should try my Lemon Ice Cream recipe to help you make it through summer. 😉
I love pumpkin, so you know I’ll totally love this. And I have been ALL ABOUT salads lately!
I’m a huge fan of salads regardless of the season. I look forward to hearing if you make the salad. 🙂
I haven’t tried roasting the pumpkin but oh boy your recipe looks delicious. I would love to try this as well!
Thanks, Blair! Give it a try – and let me know what you think 🙂
I have never thought of making a salad with pumpkin and I am loving the idea. Definitely have to try this next time 🙂
XO Andie
http://andiesparkles.com
Thanks Andie! Love to know what you think when you try it 🙂
I so love cranberry and almonds that i often put the two in every cookie and brownie i bake. I will certainly try your salad. that looks so healthy and yummy.
Thank you so much! Glad you like the sound of these flavours and hope you’ll enjoy! 🙂
I don’t think I have ever used roasted pumpkin in a salad. It does sound very good though, especially with the freshness of the cranberry and rocket, and the crunch of the almonds.
Thanks, Joanna! I love a good variety of textures in a salad 🙂
This is a very unique salad recipe and I would like to try making it at home. Love the idea of using pumpking.
Thanks, Sigrid! Hope you will enjoy!
It looks so delicious! I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing this healthy one.
You are so welcome! I hope you will enjoy 🙂
I have an almond allergy, but I feel like they could easily be left off of this recipe and it would still be quite delicious!
Thanks for sharing! x
Michelle
dressingwithstyle-s.com
Definitely, Michelle! Even swapping them out for some croutons would be great – something else with a slightly crunchy texture would work well! x
What a delicious yummy salad! It looks pretty and healthy! LOVE it.
Thank you so much!! 🙂 Appreciate your kind words!
The perfect Sumner salad. Delicious and healthy. I love it.
Thank you so much 🙂
This salad is almost to pretty to eat, but then again it sounds delicious so I would definitely eat it! Thanks for an awesome recipe!
Lauren | https://livebythesunshine.com
Thanks, Lauren!!! So glad you think so!
Been looking for some new salad variants and good thing I was able to see this. Having the recipe is also a great pick! No need to research instead print immediately.
Thank you, Anosa. Glad to provide you with some new salad inspiration 🙂
Such a tasty looking salad – I would never have thought to include pumpkin in a salad. Definitely need to make this!
Thanks! I hope you will love this!
What a delicious and filling meal! This looks so simply to make and best of all, is healthy!
Hi Claire! Thanks for stopping by! Hope you’ll get a chance to give this a try.
This pumpkin salad looks so tasty and perfect for the festive period.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Saving this recipe for lunch time.
Enjoy it! 🙂
I am not big fan of pumpkin. But this recipe looks delicious and healthy. I would love to try this for sure.
Hopefully I can convert you 😉 Enjoy, Sundeep!
Oooh the store by my apartment makes a really similar pre-prepped salad that I have been living on lately! Now, that I have this recipe, I’ll have to try making it myself! Yum. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Lindsey! Yay! It is so easy to make – and I always love to know exactly what goes in my salad! 🙂 Enjoy!
I haven’t found a good recipe for pumpkin, but this sounds delicious, I would love to try this
Thanks, Kara! Hope you will enjoy 🙂 Do let me know if you give it a try!
With the holidays coming up, the more salads I can fit in, the better. I love that it has pumpkin in it. What a perfect holiday addition.
Thank you so much, Sara!! Appreciate you stopping by 🙂
I love the soft and crunchy together in my salads. The more stuff I can put in it the better.
I agree, Cindy – the mix of texture is just lovely 🙂
This looks rather tasty. I’m saving this recipe to try later.
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com
Thank you! Look forward to hearing what you think 🙂
ooh yum I’ll be giving this one a go- Pinning! x
Thanks, Penny! Enjoy x
This looks absolutely delicious. I didn’t know this was an Aussie dish.
Hi Julie! We love our roast pumpkin salads here 😀 Enjoy!
This looks amazing!! I can’t wait to try it!! Thanks 🙂
Thanks, Debbie! 🙂 Hope you will love it!
This pumpkin, cranberry, and almond salad looks so good. Great combo.
Thank you very much! 🙂
Love dry fruits in my salads, but never thought about adding sweet potatoes! What a lovely idea!
Thank you, Em!! Love the combo 🙂
I am ill. Having stomach issues. I guess may be trying out this salad will help.
Do hope you feel better soon 🙂
I love your recipes so much! This looks amazing.
Thank you so much, that is very kind 🙂
I am definitely going to try this. I love how you captured the essence of the ingredients.
Thank you so much, Savana! I appreciate you stopping by 🙂
This looks so delicious and seasonal! YUM.
Thanks, Christina 🙂
Uhh this looks sooo good! I have to make this. I’ve been trying to incorporate more greens in my life lately so I’ll be adding this baby. Squash is so nice in the fall and winter. Pinning this now!
xo Chelsea | https://completelychelsea.com
Sounds like a good plan to me, Chelsea!! x
Hello Alexandra. Once again, I was a little befuddled by the Australian and American word differences, which I also find interesting. At first, I thought I didn’t know what rocket is but looked it up and see that it is what we call arugula. Then, I was thinking that I would replace the pumpkin cubes with butternut squash cubes. I can buy it already peeled and cubed in stores near me. Then, I realized that you were actually talking about butternut squash. 🙂 I see that you did include the alternate terms in the list of ingredients, but I had to scroll down to see those. Anyway, it looks delicious, a nice blend of flavors that look pretty on the plate. I have been trying to lose weight and eat healthy for several months now, and it is always good to find a new way to eat salads and veggies, different combinations so things are not boring. 🙂
Hello Susan,
Isn’t it interesting the differences!? 🙂
So glad that this sounds like a nice salad for you – I agree, it is good to have variety! Boring food is no fun!!
I love pumpkin! I never thought of it for a salad. I will definitely try this beautiful salad!
Thank you, Melanie! I hope you will enjoy the taste 🙂
Yum! What a unique combination of ingredients. I have to give this a try!
Thank you so much, Bee! Enjoy x
Mmmm looks yummy!
Thanks for sharing
Thank you, Kat! 🙂
Delicious and refreshing, thanks for sharing this recipe, made me want to make it <3
Aww, that’s the best thing <3
What a great idea to use pumpkin in a salad honestly never thought about it but the combination sounds so yummy. Love the addition of the almonds too.
Thank you, Adriana! I always love to hear that I have given someone a new idea 🙂 Hope you will enjoy it!
This is a great idea for Christmas. I’ve never seen such perfectly placed pieces of pumpkin!
That would be my Mother’s wonderful presentation skills shining through then 😉 Thanks, Lorraine! 🙂 x
This looks awesome! My only problem is the mint leaves, I’m just not the biggest fan.
Is there a substitution you would suggest?
Hi Sparky! I would suggest parsley in that case 🙂 Or – even a dried herb of your choice. Or just on a bed of nice salad greens 🙂
This looks so yummy, and like what I imagine fall to taste like. I am going to have to try this on my next girls night!
I love that description, Tiffany! 🙂
I’ve never had a salad like this. It sounds like a great combination of flavors.
Thanks, Heather 🙂 Glad to come up with something new for you!
Ooh this looks so delicious and healthy! I love all the colors and especially the cranberry! I need to make this soon 🙂
Thanks, Shar!! Hope you’ll love it.
Looks delicious. I will be trying the receipe
Thank you, Kay! Love to know what you think when you do 🙂
I love having salad on my every meal and this one looks really delicious and such a perfect appetizer to serve on our family get together.
Thanks, Catherine – I am the same! I need it with my meals! 🙂 Enjoy!
This looks delicious! Will definitely try this one this holiday because my kids loves squash.
Fantastic! Hope this is a recipe the whole family will enjoy 🙂
This sounds absolutely amazing! I’m (embarrassingly) pretty picky haha, but this is right up my alley!
So glad, Lara!! Thank you for stopping by 🙂 Enjoy!
I need to make this as I love butternut squash. I bet pumpkin would be just as tasty.
Definitely, Tara! Even a sweet potato would work well 🙂
This is my kind of dish! Love the color and love the heartiness of the pumpkin with the light greens.
Thank you so much, Jen 🙂
I only recently discovered how great almonds and cranberries taste in a salad. Adding pumpkin seems like a no-brainer now. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like this is the perfect salad for you then, Scott. Enjoy 🙂
Oh my goodness! This looks so fabulous and fresh! and look at all those flavors. I always a love a good salad with a little crunch! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Becky! Enjoy this one! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to cook with butternut squash! This seems like something I can do without messing it up! Lol
You so got this, Michelle!! Promise! x
This is a great way to cook butternut squash. Roasting vegetables is a great way to cook and eat veg because somehow it retains all the veg goodness.
I agree completely! 🙂 Roasted vegetables are my favourite!
I think that you truly nailed the combination of flavors here. Bravo! Your recipes never disappoint.
That means so much to me, Kimmy! Thank you 🙂
This sounds great! I love making salads using butternut squash. Gotta try this 🙂
Love to know what you think when you do, Jenna 🙂
This looks so delish and festive! It is also very appealing to the eye!
Thanks so much, Terri! 😀
You had me at roasted pumpkin! Look gooooood?
Thank you girl 🙂
This salad is so beautiful, and would be perfect for holiday hosting! Not to mention it looks absolutely delicious!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Emily 🙂
This salad is exactly the kind of thing I love to make. I eat a lot of salads for my health and let me tell you, I am SO over boring salads. I can’t touch another one. Thanks so much for this!
Boring salads are the worst!! So glad you like the look of this one 🙂
Love butternut squash! And this looks beyond yummy!!! Already pinned and ready to make this weekend!
Awesome, Kelly! I hope you will love it 🙂
I’m totally having this for breakfast tomorrow so you should just go ahead and add that the the ‘recipe type’ 😉
I adore you for saying that! 😀
WOW this looks seriously delicious, love coming across new vegan recipes that I haven’t tried before. Kinda wish that I had been able to make this on Thanksgiving.
Hi Noelle! I hope you will save this for next Thanksgiving – you’re right, it would have been a good one 🙂
Looks tasty. I can honestly say that other than carving a pumpkin out for Halloween I have never touched one let alone eaten one…. may have to try this.
If you do, you will have to let me know 🙂 Enjoy, John!
A wonderful looking and low calorie salad, i cant wait to try it
Thank you, Chizo! 🙂
Yum, this looks like a tasty salad. I just love cranberries. I’ll have to make this for lunch one day.
Thank you, Amber! I hope you will love it!
Such a pretty dish. Your food always looks so good!!
So kind, Alice – I appreciate it 🙂
Delicious and fresh – and a great looking plate of food.
Thank you so much, Brian!
This looks so healthy and delicious – perfect for warm weather!
Thank you, Sally! xx