I am notorious for bringing the one green thing in a sea of beige on the holiday table. And guess what? It’s always a hit. Don’t get me wrong, I am all about the breads and potatoes and stuffing, but I enjoy a fresh seasonable salad just the same. Plus the colors of this salad bring in all the holiday feels. Give this a try for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings (especially your 4th or 5th holiday party, when your body needs a break from indulging). It’s guaranteed to make you family think twice about healthy eating at holidays.

Just one serving packs an unbelievable amount of health benefits:

Anti-inflammatory antioxidants and phytonutrients

• Arugula – a cruciferous vegetable containing sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant compound that can protect against harmful DNA mutations
• Pomegranate – seeds contain a wide variety of antioxidant compounds known to help protect against cardiovascular events and fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the body as well as inhibit growth of harmful microorganisms
• Pumpkin seeds – contain carotenoids, Vitamin E, and polyphenols, which all counteract inflammation in the body
• Pumpkin pie spice – spices in this blend contain antioxidant properties and help with blood sugar balance

Quality fats

• MUFA’s – Over 50% of the recipe’s fat content is monounsaturated, which helps reduce inflammation and promotes healthy cholesterol ratios, blood pressure, and insulin sensitivity
• Omega-3’s – Source of ALA, a plant-based anti-inflammatory omega-3 fat

Micronutrients

• Excellent source (20% DV or more) of:
  • Folate – helps repair damaged cells, essential for pregnancy & iron status, hormone & blood vessel health
  • Vitamin K – bone, heart, and blood vessel health; blood clotting
  • Vitamin A – eye healthy, immunity, antioxidant, reproduction, proper iron status
  • Vitamin C – immunity, iron absorption, collagen synthesis, burning fat, neurotransmitter function, antioxidant, bone health
  • Magnesium – energy production, synthesis of antioxidants, protective against migraines & mood disorders, regulates blood pressure/blood sugar, electrolyte balance, calms the nervous system
• Good source (10% or more) of:
  • Iron – energy, blood cell health, hormone function, growth and development
  • B1, B2, B3, B6 – energy production, cholesterol/heart and brain health
  • Potassium – protective against cardiovascular disease, kidney stones and hypertension; bone health
  • Phosphorus – regulates nerve and muscle function, cell membrane structure, energy production and storage, digestion, regulates blood pH

Spiced Squash Salad

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Servings: 4

Equipment

• Sheet pan
• Large serving bowl
• Citrus squeezer

Ingredients

Salad

• 1 delicata squash can also use acorn or butternut squash
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• .25 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 6 cups arugula
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
• 3 oz. goat cheese
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 whole avocado diced

Dressing

• 3 lemons juiced
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tbsp real maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

• Prepare the Squash: Cut off both ends and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and slice into ¼ inch half-moon pieces. Preheat the oven to 400F. Spread squash in an even layer on a baking sheet and drizzle with about 1 Tb. avocado oil and toss. Dust each slice with pumpkin spice, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper (adjust based on how spicy you prefer) and roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until tender and crisp on the edges. Take out and let cool.
• Make the Dressing: Combine ingredients in a mason jar and shake to combine.
• Assemble the Salad: Gently tear the arugula with your hands to make the leaves a bit easier to eat. Add remaining salad ingredients. Wait until right before serving to add the dressing and only dress what you will be eating to avoid wilting. Add some dressing to the arugula and give it a toss, being careful not to oversaturate. Taste and adjust dressing and seasonings as needed. Serve to people you love!

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!