Roasted pumpkin salad with spring greens, feta and cashews is one salad that is going to make your taste buds say “wow! is this really a salad?” The combination of flavours and textures in this salad will keep you coming back for the next bite!

Before I used to say that I’m not much of a salad person. I would always feel like there was a lot of work and not much reward. I’d be chewing on a lot of leaves for a long time but not feeling satisfied. Then I started making salads that weren’t just boring old leaves but with amazing combinations of cheeses, nuts, fruits and grains and I was hooked. Salads can be meaningful, satisfying and tasty!

The best part is, I always feel lighter and less bloated on days that I eat salad for lunch. This roasted pumpkin salad works wonderfully as a side or as a light lunch on its own. With the feta cheese and the healthy fats from the cashews, you’ll definitely feel satiated.

Ingredients in this salad

Roasted pumpkin: Roasting pumpkin really intensifies the sweetness and pumpkin flavour. Add a little olive oil, salt and pepper to help them brown nicely.

Spring mix salad: Usually a mix of fresh baby lettuce, spinach, chard, arugula and other lettuces. Or use any salad leaves you prefer.

Maple syrup cashews: Add some maple syrup and a pinch of salt to the cashews (if they aren’t already salted) and bake until lightly browned. They’ll add a crunchy texture and some sweetness to the salad.

Feta cheese: With its salty, creamy goodness, feta can take your salads to another level. Simply crumble on top of the salad. If you don’t like feta, goat cheese is also a fantastic option.

Honey mustard dressing: You’ll probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry – shallot, whole grain mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Just add the ingredients to a bowl and whisk together. This honey mustard dressing pretty much goes with most salads so you can make a little extra and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Ready at your fingertips to pour over any salads you make.

Health benefits of pumpkin

Packed with immunity boosting vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E.
Contains iron and folate which may help strengthen immunity.
High in antioxidants which may help reduce the chance of chronic diseases.
Source of vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin which is essential for eye health.

Health benefits of cashews:

Loaded with heart healthy fats and plant protein
Rich in copper, magnesium and manganese which are important for energy and brain health
Good source of antioxidants which may help lower inflammation and the risk of diseases

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