Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables and Croutons
- 1 small delicata squash, cleaned and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 6 tbsp. olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 a loaf focaccia bread, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, plus more to garnish
- 1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts, cleaned and thinly sliced
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 fennel bulb, cleaned and thinly sliced on a mandoline, plus 1 tbsp fennel fronds to garnish
- 1 avocado, sliced
Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 a small head of roasted garlic
- 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably kewpie)
- 1 tsp stone ground mustard
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp anchovy paste
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and roast the delicata squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sliced delicata squash rounds with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Make the focaccia croutons: While the squash is roasting, toss the focaccia bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese. Spread on a separate baking sheet and roast in the oven alongside the squash for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and cool.
- Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the Brussels sprouts, chop the kale, and slice the fennel bulb using a mandoline. Keep the fennel fronds for garnish. Slice the avocado just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Make the Caesar dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted garlic, mayonnaise, stone ground mustard, dijon mustard, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the kale, Brussels sprouts, roasted delicata squash, focaccia croutons, fennel slices, and avocado. Pour the Caesar dressing over the top and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese and the reserved fennel fronds over the salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant autumn flavors.
Notes
- To roast the garlic for the dressing, cut the top off a small head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes until soft.
- If you don’t have focaccia bread, a crusty Italian bread or sourdough works well for the croutons.
- This salad can be made vegetarian by omitting the anchovy paste and using a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
- To keep the avocado from browning, slice it just before serving and optionally toss with a little lemon juice.
- Leftover dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian