Appetizer Vegetarian · Holiday Food · Vegetable sides · Vegetable-related

Squash and radicchio salad

A really super and interesting Winter salad great for Thanksgiving or other Holidays.
From “Bon Appetite” magazine

Screen Shot 2019-10-31 at 10.27.04 AM

Serves 8- 10

6 x Delicata squashes, halved, seeds removed, sliced into 1″-thick half-moons
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

Vinaigrette and Assembly
1 cup pecans
1 tsp. plus ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil; plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt
½ small shallot, finely chopped
¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp. fresh orange juice
2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
4 tsp. pure maple syrup
Freshly ground black pepper
2 small heads of radicchio, leaves separated, torn if large
½ medium Asian pear, thinly sliced
3 oz Parmesan, shaved
¼ cup parsley leaves
½ lemon

Place racks in middle and lower third of oven and set a rimmed baking sheet on each; preheat oven to 450°.
Toss the squash with oil in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper.
Remove baking sheets from oven and divide squash between them, arranging in a single layer. Roast, rotating sheets halfway through, until browned and tender, 15–25 minutes. Set squash aside; reduce oven temperature to 350°.

Do Ahead: The squash can be roasted 1 day ahead. Let cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature or heat slightly in a microwave before using.

Vinaigrette and Assembly
Toss the pecans with 1 tsp oil in a small bowl; season with salt. Toast on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until slightly darkened and fragrant, 8–10 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop. Set ½ cup pecans aside for serving.

Blend the shallot, orange juice, mustard, maple syrup, ¼ cup lemon juice, and remaining pecans in a blender until mostly smooth. With motor running, gradually stream in ½ cup oil and blend until emulsified and smooth. Season dressing with salt and pepper.

Toss the radicchio and half of dressing in a large bowl to coat; season with salt and pepper. Arrange on a platter.
Toss reserved squash with remaining dressing in the same bowl to coat; season with salt and pepper. Arrange over the radicchio.

Toss the Asian pear with 1 Tbsp. lemon juice in a small bowl.
Top the salad with the Asian pear, cheese, parsley, and reserved pecans.
Squeeze juice from lemon half over and drizzle with oil; season with more salt and pepper.

Do Ahead: Vinaigrette can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.