Name: Roasted Delicata Squash and Apples with Kale and Toasted Pepitas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 delicata squash (halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into ½-inch pieces); ½ cup pearl onions (halved); 2 cups torn lacinato kale (2 to 3 leaves); 6 sage leaves (chopped); Leaves from 3 fresh thyme sprigs; 1 small gala apple (diced); Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling and dressings, about 3 tablespoons total); 2 tablespoons pepitas and/or pine nuts; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; ½ garlic clove (minced); ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard; ⅛ teaspoon maple syrup

If you are looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweetness, earthiness, and a little crunch, then this Roasted Delicata Squash and Apples with Kale and Toasted Pepitas Recipe is an absolute must-try. The tender, caramelized delicata squash paired with the natural sweetness of crisp apples, complemented by hearty kale and the satisfying pop of toasted pepitas, creates a bowl bursting with warmth and flavor. This recipe feels like a cozy hug on a plate and is gorgeous enough to serve at any gathering or enjoy as a comforting weeknight treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four whole delicata squashes are placed in a row on a white marbled surface. Each squash is elongated with a smooth texture, showing yellow skin with green vertical stripes except for the third one from the left which has orange vertical stripes. The sizes vary slightly, with the second squash from the left being the longest, and the others are shorter and rounder. Their stems are short and greenish. The lighting is soft, highlighting the natural color and texture of the squashes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Roasted Delicata Squash and Apples with Kale and Toasted Pepitas Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from adding texture to layering in fresh and earthy flavors that brighten the whole dish.

Delicata Squash: Naturally sweet and tender when roasted, the perfect base for this dish.
Pearl Onions: Soften and caramelize beautifully alongside the squash for extra depth.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Enhances flavor while helping to roast the vegetables to golden perfection.
Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds) and/or Pine Nuts: Toasted for a crunchy, nutty contrast.
Lacinato Kale: Adds a slightly bitter, earthy note and vibrant color.
Fresh Sage and Thyme: Bring fragrant, herbal notes that elevate the dish.
Gala Apple: Provides a crisp, sweet bite that balances the roasted veggies.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens the dressing, cutting through the richness.
Garlic, Dijon Mustard, and Maple Syrup: Small additions that contribute savory, tangy, and sweet layers in the dressing.
Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Roasted Delicata Squash and Apples with Kale and Toasted Pepitas Recipe

Step 1: Prepping and Roasting the Squash and Onions

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss your delicata squash pieces and pearl onions with a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to bring out their natural sweetness. Be sure to space them out on the baking sheet so they roast evenly, developing a beautiful golden caramelization. This roasting process is what makes the flavors sing, turning simple squash and onions into a star component of this dish.

Step 2: Whisking Together the Dressing

While the veggies roast, it’s time to make the dressing that ties everything together. Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper into a harmonious blend. This dressing is bright, slightly tangy, and just a little bit sweet, perfectly complementing both the savory and sweet elements of the recipe.

Step 3: Toasting the Pepitas

Nothing beats the crunch that toasted pepitas add here. Toss the seeds into a dry skillet over medium-low heat and stir frequently until they’re golden and fragrant—about two minutes. This step unlocks their nuttiness and adds a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender squash and kale.

Step 4: Combining Ingredients and Warming Through

In a roomy bowl, mix torn kale leaves with chopped sage and thyme, then add the warm roasted squash and onions, diced apples, half of the toasted pepitas, and half of your dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Transfer this colorful mix to an oven-safe dish and pop it back into the oven for roughly 8 to 10 minutes, just until the apples soften slightly and the kale wilts a bit—this warming step melds the flavors and makes the kale more tender without losing its vibrant green color.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Just before serving, drizzle the remaining dressing over the dish and sprinkle on the rest of the pepitas for that fresh toasted crunch. These final touches brighten the dish and make every bite a delicious balance of flavors and textures.

How to Serve Roasted Delicata Squash and Apples with Kale and Toasted Pepitas Recipe

The image shows a silver baking tray lined with white parchment paper filled with roasted yellow and green striped squash pieces. The squash is mostly sliced into curved crescent shapes and some are whole small round squash. The roasted pieces have a slightly browned, crispy texture with a bright yellow-orange color and distinct dark green stripes on some chunks. A wooden spoon sits on the tray towards the bottom left with two squash pieces resting on it. The tray is set on a white marbled surface with a folded light beige cloth with thin dark stripes on the lower left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an inviting finish, you can garnish with extra herb leaves like fresh sage or thyme sprigs. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates the texture and highlights the natural sweetness of the squash and apples. If you love a bit of spice, a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes works wonders for adding a subtle warmth.

Side Dishes

This Roasted Delicata Squash and Apples with Kale and Toasted Pepitas Recipe stands beautifully on its own but also pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled pork. For a vegetarian meal, accompany it with warm whole-grain breads or a hearty quinoa salad to round out the plate with extra fiber and heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in rustic cast-iron skillets or deep ceramic bowls that keep the food warm at the table. Layer roasted delicata and apples over wilted kale like a vibrant salad, then sprinkle with pepitas just before serving for striking color contrast. For a fun twist, turn it into a warm grain bowl topped with a poached egg and a drizzle of tahini for creaminess.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just be sure to keep any dressing and pepitas separate until you’re ready to serve again to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the roasted squash and apple mixture without kale and dressing for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and toss with fresh kale and dressing before reheating to preserve the crispness and brightness.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. This helps maintain the texture better than microwaving. Add fresh pepitas and a drizzle of dressing after reheating for the best flavor and crunch.

FAQs

Can I substitute another type of squash for delicata?

Absolutely! While delicata is uniquely sweet and tender, you can use butternut or acorn squash in a pinch. Just adjust roasting times as these varieties may take a little longer to cook through.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use pure ingredients like gluten-free mustard and check your vinegar labels. The nuts and veggies create a wholesome, allergy-friendly dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare most of it ahead by roasting the squash and onions and toasting the pepitas. Store components separately and toss with fresh kale, apples, and dressing before warming and serving.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried sage and thyme can be used, but use them sparingly since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs, however, do add a brightness that really lifts the dish.

How do I keep the kale from getting soggy?

Adding kale at the last moment keeps it vibrant and slightly crisp. Toss it with the warm roasted ingredients and let it wilt just slightly in the oven, then serve right away for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Roasted Delicata Squash and Apples with Kale and Toasted Pepitas Recipe is an absolute showstopper. It’s simple, wholesome, and packed with cozy, layered flavors that make every forkful feel special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite that you’ll want to revisit throughout the seasons. Give it a go and enjoy that perfect harmony of sweet, savory, earthy, and crunchy all in one delicious dish!

Roasted Delicata Squash and Apples with Kale and Toasted Pepitas Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Roasted Delicata Squash and Apples with Kale and Toasted Pepitas Recipe