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Autumn Squash Salad

This vibrant autumn squash salad is a celebratory dairy-free dish that showcases the diverse textures and flavours of seasonal gourds. Combining roasted kabocha wedges with delicate pickled Hubbard ribbons and blanched delicata squash, it offers a sophisticated balance of sweetness and acidity. The earthy Tuscan kale and peppery watermelon radish provide a fresh, crisp base that pairs beautifully with the rich, honey-garlic dressing.

Perfect for a light lunch or as an impressive starter for a dinner party, this nutritous salad is topped with salty cured ham and toasted pumpkin seeds for an essential crunch. The addition of fresh coriander adds a bright, herbal finish to the savoury elements. It is a versatile recipe that celebrates British autumnal produce while remaining naturally heart-healthy and gluten-free.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Autumn Squash Salad

  • 240ml Vegetable Pickling Liquid

  • Few thin ribbons Hubbard squash, skin on, cut on a mandoline

  • 1 kabocha squash, cut into large wedges

  • Salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Healthy drizzle plus 60ml olive oil

  • 60ml cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • 1 clove garlic, grated

  • 1 bunch Tuscan kale, stems removed

  • 1 delicata squash, halved and cut into half-moons, then blanched in salted water for 30 seconds

  • 1 watermelon radish, sliced paper-thin, plus greens

  • Few slices jamón serrano, prosciutto, or cured country ham

  • 1/4 cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

  • Leaves from 1 bunch fresh coriander

How to make Autumn Squash Salad

Preheat the oven to 375°. Heat the pickling liquid over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan and add the Hubbard squash ribbons. Simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool in the liquid.

In a medium-sized roasting pan, toss the kabocha squash wedges with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Roast until tender, about 15 minutes. Set aside.

For the dressing, whisk together the vinegar, honey, and grated garlic in a bowl and slowly add the 60ml olive oil until well mixed.

Here, our fingers are our best tools. Wash your hands and tear the kale into bite-sized pieces and distribute on a platter. Layer on the pickled Hubbard squash, roasted kabocha squash, blanched delicata squash, and the watermelon radish slices. Drizzle on the dressing, then gently run your fingers through the salad to distribute the dressing without breaking the delicate squash slices. Lace a few slices of ham over the top and scatter the toasted pumpkin seeds and coriander.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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