Autumn Delight: Creamy & Sweet Pumpkin Salad Recipe
Naturally Sweet and Velvety Pumpkin Salad
As autumn approaches, it’s the season for pumpkins! Today, I’m sharing a recipe for a wonderfully sweet and creamy pumpkin salad. It’s perfect as a light snack, a satisfying meal, or even a healthy diet option. Get ready to enjoy this delightful dish!
Pumpkin Salad Ingredients
- 1 large pumpkin
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 80g yogurt
- Dried plums (to taste), chopped
- Mixed nuts (to taste), chopped
- Cinnamon powder (to taste), sprinkled
- A pinch of almond flakes
- A pinch of parsley flakes
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare our star ingredient: the pumpkin! Choose a large pumpkin and wash its exterior thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. This ensures a clean and safe salad, especially if you plan to eat the skin.
Step 2
Place the cleaned pumpkin in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a lid and microwave for about 15 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the pumpkin’s size and your microwave’s power. The goal is to cook it until it’s fork-tender.
Step 3
Carefully remove the hot pumpkin from the microwave. Using a knife, gently cut off the stem end. This will allow steam to escape and help the pumpkin cool down faster.
Step 4
Once the pumpkin has cooled slightly, cut it in half. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard all the seeds and stringy bits from the center.
Step 5
Allow the pumpkin halves to cool down further until they are comfortable to handle. At this stage, the cooked pumpkin flesh should easily separate from the skin.
Step 6
Now, carefully peel the skin off the pumpkin halves. Scoop out the soft, cooked flesh and place it into a mixing bowl. Discard the skin.
Step 7
To the pumpkin flesh in the bowl, add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. You can substitute honey, but maple syrup offers a lovely complementary flavor.
Step 8
Next, add 80g of plain yogurt. This will contribute to the creamy texture and add a subtle tang. Opt for unsweetened plain yogurt to best complement the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
Step 9
For added texture and a burst of sweetness, finely chop some dried plums and add them to the bowl. Dried cranberries or raisins are also excellent substitutes.
Step 10
Incorporate a generous amount of chopped mixed nuts for a delightful crunch and added nutritional value. A mix of walnuts, almonds, and cashews works wonderfully.
Step 11
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder over the mixture. The warm, aromatic spice enhances the pumpkin’s natural sweetness beautifully.
Step 12
Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to mash the pumpkin too much. Transfer the salad to a serving dish, and finish with a sprinkle of almond flakes and parsley flakes for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy this incredibly simple yet delicious pumpkin salad!
