Balsamic Vinaigrette For Roasted Acorn Squash Salad Food

BALSAMIC ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Halve, seed and thinly slice 1 large acorn squash; toss with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper. Divide between 2 baking sheets and roast at 425 degrees F until browned and tender, about 20 minutes. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar and top with chopped toasted almonds and grated ricotta salata.

SIMPLE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Beat the vinegar in a bowl with the optional sugar, garlic, salt and pepper until sugar and salt dissolves. Then beat in the oil by droplets, whisking constantly. (Or place all the ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake to combine.) Taste and adjust the seasonings.
• Toss a few tablespoons of the dressing with the salad mix and desired salad ingredients, top with blue cheese and serve immediately.
• If not using dressing right away, cover and refrigerate, whisking or shaking again before use.
• Beat the vinegar in a bowl with the optional sugar, garlic, salt and pepper until sugar and salt dissolves. Then beat in the oil by droplets, whisking constantly. (Or place all the ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake to combine.) Taste and adjust the seasonings.
• Toss a few tablespoons of the dressing with the salad mix and desired salad ingredients, top with blue cheese and serve immediately.
• If not using dressing right away, cover and refrigerate, whisking or shaking again before use.

BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE FOR ROASTED ACORN SQUASH SALAD

Steps:

• Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a chef's knife on a cutting board, mash together garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt to form a paste.
• In a medium bowl, stir together garlic paste, mustard, and balsamic and red-wine vinegars. Add oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.

ROASTED ACORN SQUASH SALAD WITH WARM GOAT CHEESE ROUNDS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove stem and tip end of squash; halve lengthwise. Remove seeds. Cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices; transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, vinegar, and rosemary, tossing to coat; season with salt and pepper. Spread squash in a single layer; roast, turning once halfway, until tender and golden brown around edges, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.
• Meanwhile, combine breadcrumbs, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Roll goat cheese rounds in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat well; transfer to another parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until chilled.
• Just before serving, transfer goat cheese rounds to oven; bake until cheese is just warm but doesn't lose its shape, 4 to 5 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine greens with 1/2 cup vinaigrette, tossing to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Mound greens on plates, and top with squash slices and goat cheese; serve immediately.

WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH BALSAMIC ROAST SQUASH

Steps:

• Combine the lentils, ginger, turmeric, onion, water, and salt to taste in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook at a moderate bubble until the lentils have softened and produced a flavorful broth, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the heat. Remove the onion and discard. Place a strainer over a bowl and drain the lentils.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. If using cut up squash, place in a bowl or directly on the baking sheet and toss with salt to taste, the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Spread on the baking sheet in an even layer and make sure to tip all of the liquid remaining in the bowl over the squash. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so that the squash browns evenly. The squash should be tender all the way through. Remove from the heat. If using acorn squash, spoon a tablespoon of the balsamic vinegar into both cavities, season with salt, brush with olive oil, and place cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until thoroughly tender. Remove from the heat and when cool enough to handle remove the skin and cut the squash into dice.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup whisk together the vinegars, mustard, salt and pepper, olive oil, and walnut oil. Toss with the lentils and return to the saucepan. Add a few tablespoons of the lentil broth, stir in the parsley and heat through.
• Place the squash in the middle of a wide bowl or serving platter, surround with the lentil salad and serve.