Nourishing Roasted Chicken and Delicata Squash Salad

Recipes / 
Nourishing Roasted Chicken and Delicata Squash Salad

Fall is the perfect time to indulge in warm salads that showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients. One of my favorite ways to celebrate this time of year is with a Roasted Chicken and Delicata Squash Salad.

This comforting yet nutritious dish is a wonderful example of how seasonal produce can enhance our meals. When fruits and vegetables are harvested at their peak, they retain more vitamins and minerals, ensuring you’re getting the most nutritional benefits. Choosing in-season delicata squash, for instance, allows you to enjoy its full array of health advantages and delicious flavor. Its sweet, creamy flesh and edible skin not only offer a delicious flavor but also provide a wealth of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium—essential nutrients for overall health.

Paired with roasted chicken, this dish becomes hearty enough to serve as a main meal whenever you’re craving comfort without feeling weighed down. I love using leftover chicken I prepped at the start of the week, but you can easily cook it your way. If you’re interested, you can also learn how to roast a whole chicken here!

Here’s how we incorporate the Fab 4 to build this nourishing dish:

  • Protein-Packed: Chicken breast is an amazing source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing muscles while also promoting a feeling of fullness and helping to regulate appetite.

  • Healthy Fats: The walnuts and olive oil in the dressing contribute heart-healthy fats that not only enhance flavor but also promote satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer. These nutritious fats support nutrient absorption and can stabilize energy levels, making this salad not only delicious but also a satisfying choice for sustained nourishment throughout the day.

  • Greens: Leafy greens, such as kale, play a significant role in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. Rich in fiber, these greens slow the absorption of carbohydrates, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar.

  • Rich in Fiber: Delicata squash and pomegranate seeds contribute dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a sense of fullness. Delicata squash is also loaded with vitamins A and C, providing antioxidants that support your immune system and skin health.

This Roasted Chicken and Delicata Squash Salad not only celebrates the flavors of fall but also nourishes your body with every bite, making it a great addition to your weekly meal rotation. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, a cozy dinner, or as part of your holiday gatherings—like a pre-trick-or-treat dinner on Halloween or a side for Thanksgiving—this salad will keep you nourished and satisfied throughout the fall season.

  • Prep Time

    20

  • Total Time

    45

  • Servings

    2

  • Freezer Friendly

    No

Ingredients

Roasted Chicken Delicata Squash Salad:

  • 2 cups roasted organic chicken (use code BEWELLBYKELLY), chopped
  • 1 box baby kale, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts
  • 1 delicata squash, seeded, sliced
  • 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/3 cup goat cheese (optional)

Seasonings for squash:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon chili powder

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast walnuts for 10 minutes.
  2. Once your walnuts are toasted, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut delicata squash in half, remove seeds, and slice into thin rounds. Toss with olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
  3. Once you delicata squash is cooked, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub the chicken with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs you like. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts. They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized cubes.
  4. Prepare the dressing in a small bowl by whisking together olive oil, champagne vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a large bowl, combine chopped baby kale, toasted walnuts, roasted delicata squash, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, and chopped chicken.
  6. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss to coat. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Roasted Delicata Squash Salad!

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