Looking for a salad with main-character energy? Fall Harvest Salad doesn't just make an entrance — it steals the show.
Created by Andrea Cruz of Hungry Drea Creations, it layers caramelized roasted delicata squash, ruby pomegranate arils and crunchy candied walnuts over a bed of peppery arugula, finished with creamy goat cheese for richness. A maple vinaigrette — balanced with red wine and sherry vinegars, Dijon mustard and just enough maple syrup — ties every element together with the perfect touch of sweetness.
Andrea, who built her Long Beach-based catering business from serving small charcuterie boards at home into full-service events across Los Angeles and Orange counties, brings the same eye for beauty and flavor to this salad that she brings to every spread she creates. It's an easy way to bring a little of that harvest-to-table magic home this season.
Fall Harvest Salad
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 delicata squash, halved, seeded and sliced thinly
- 5 ounces arugula
- 4 ounces pomegranate arils
- 1 cup candied walnuts
- 5 ounces goat cheese (softened for 30 minutes at room temperature)
- Pink Himalayan salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Maple Vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
Salad:
- Roast sliced delicata in air fryer or oven at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
- Add arugula to salad bowl; season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange delicata slices evenly over the arugula.
- Sprinkle in pomegranate arils, candied walnuts and goat cheese.
Maple Vinaigrette:
In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, shake together the vinegars, maple syrup, Dijon and salt and pepper to taste. Add the olive oil and shake again until the dressing is fully emulsified. Taste and adjust maple syrup, salt and pepper, if necessary.
Optional: Top with your favorite salad topper, like NaturSource Organic Salad Topper
Founded by Andrea Cruz, Hungry Drea Creations began in 2020 with small charcuterie boards crafted for friends and family, growing into a full-service catering brand serving Long Beach, Los Angeles and Orange County. Sourcing locally, Andrea crafts edible works of art that bring elegance, culture and connection to every event. She lives in Long Beach with her husband, "Mr. Hungry," and pups Daphne and Patches.