When chilly fall days roll in, and the cold settles, I love digging into the cozy flavors of roast pumpkin with spinach and feta. It’s been my go-to for ages. You get a little sweet, a touch of salty, and loads of crunch. Perfect when you’ve got friends over or you just want a fab meal by yourself.
Background
You’ve gotta try Roast Pumpkin, Spinach, and Feta Salad for crowd-pleasing flavor and feel-good vibes. It works for lazy weekends, prepping lunches the day before, or even for big parties. Everyone can enjoy it since it’s gluten-free, and you don’t have to save it for just one season—you can whip it up any time you want.
I’ve made this at home so many times. My family and buddies keep asking for it when they’re after something fun and different to eat. Roasted pumpkin teams up with baby spinach, crumbly feta, and a punchy, homemade dressing. Honestly, it always hits the spot.
Getting Everything Ready
- 600g / 1.2 lb Pumpkin: Chop into 3cm / 1.25" pieces, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, then roast.
- Other bits:
- 1/4 cup / 35g pine nuts or almonds
- 150g / 5 oz spinach leaves (baby variety)
- 60g / 2 oz crumbled feta
- For the dressing:
- 2.5 tablespoons of top-notch olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Add salt and pepper till it’s just right
A honey-balsamic blend brings that perfect mix of sweet and tangy.
Making It Step by Step
- Putting the Salad Together:
- Toss fresh spinach leaves in a bowl and give them a splash of dressing.
- Chuck in your roasted pumpkin, then add feta and nuts.
- Lightly mix to spread everything around. Extra dressing or toppings go on last before serving.
- Roasting Your Pumpkin:
- Set your oven to 220C/430F (regular) or 200C/390F (fan/convection). Lay out pumpkin cubes on a baking tray lined with parchment, drizzle with oil, season, then roast around 20-25 minutes till soft and a bit crispy at the edges. Let them cool off a bit before using.
Helpful Tips
You can serve this cold or warm. Try swapping spinach for any other leafy greens, and feel free to mess around with the dressings too.
Serving Size and Details
Feeds 2 or 3 as a main, or up to 5 on the side. Each serving hits about 264 calories, roughly 13% of your daily needs.
My Advice and Thoughts
Gluten-free and super flexible for how you eat. Want to keep it dairy-free or go vegan? Easy switch-ups. You can also toss in pomegranate or experiment with different sauces for a fresh twist.
Ways You Can Mix It Up
Go festive with pomegranate, swap out the nuts for something crunchier, or try new vinaigrettes to find what you like.
Why It Fits the Season
Perfect for fall and winter get-togethers. Roasted pumpkin makes it extra snuggly, and you can fancy it up with cranberries for special occasions.
Switching for Different Diets
If you’re vegan, dairy-free, or keto, just use plant-based cheese and a low-carb dressing instead.
Wrapping It Up
Roasted pumpkin, crumbly feta, and crisp greens make this a real crowd-pleaser. Tweak the toppings or dressings, and you’ve got a dish that fits any table, any time.