Warm Butternut Squash Harissa Halloumi Salad

Warm Butternut Squash Salad A Harissa Halloumi Dream

By OliviaSeptember 2, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a quick lunch? Let's talk butternut squash salad . This recipe is sweet, spicy, and a total game changer. It is seriously delicious.

Brief Overview

The Middle Eastern salad recipes inspiration for this dish makes it taste amazing. It is a super easy autumn salad recipe to make.

The whole thing takes about 30 minutes. This recipe serves four, so perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

Want to feel good while you eat? This salad is packed with vitamins. It is the perfect light meal for any day of the week.

This spiced butternut squash salad is truly special. I mean, who doesn't love harissa halloumi salad ?

Roasting Veggies

Listen, prepping the veggies is easy. Preheat your oven to 220° C. This heat gives the best results. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after many fails.

Nobody wants soggy veg. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil into your roasting tin.

Harissa Halloumi Goodness

Making the harissa halloumi salad marinade is simple. Just mix oil, lemon, and harissa paste. I like a little extra harissa for a good kick.

It depends on the brand, so taste as you go.

Assemble & Serve

This is the best part of roasted butternut squash salad assembly. I spread the salad leaves and then pile on the good stuff.

It is colorful and tasty. Enjoy this warm salad recipe !

Closing Thoughts

Honestly, butternut squash recipes are so versatile. They are perfect for easy fall salad dinners. You can impress everyone with a gourmet butternut squash salad .

Even use butternut squash salad with feta , experiment! Give this recipe a go. Tell me what you think!

Ingredients & Equipment For Your Butternut Squash Salad

Let's chat ingredients, yeah? This harissa halloumi salad is surprisingly simple. The key is finding quality ingredients. It makes all the difference, trust me.

I've tried it with sad, pale squash. Never again!

Main Ingredients To Get You Started

Here's what you'll need for this roasted butternut squash salad :

Butternut Squash: 500g (about 1.1 lbs or half a large one). Go for firm, heavy squash with deep orange color. That's where the sweetness hides.
Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons . Extra virgin, obvs!
Red Peppers: 2 . Nice and shiny ones.
Red Onions: 2 . Not too huge, you want wedges, not massive chunks.
Halloumi Cheese: 225g (about 8 oz ). Squeaky, salty goodness!
Harissa Paste: 4 teaspoons . Start here, then add more to your taste. Some are fiery!
Lemon: 1 . For its juice, duh.
Baby Salad Leaves: 100g . (around 3.5oz ). A mix of greens is best for this autumn salad recipes , like rocket, spinach, mixed greens, etc.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Why Butternut squash recipes ? Honestly, I just love their versatility. This Butternut squash salad with feta is great if you want to add a Greek twist.

Seasoning: The Secret Sauce

Don't skimp on flavour! Salt and pepper are basics, you know? The harissa is the real star, though. Lemon juice brightens everything up! For an amazing spiced butternut squash salad , you can try also adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.

It brings a really nice warmth. If you don't have harissa, sriracha or even a mix of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika can work in a pinch.

Think Middle Eastern salad recipes vibes!

Kit You Need

Right, for this gourmet butternut squash salad , we’re going with:

A big roasting tin/baking sheet . Don't overcrowd!
A small bowl for the marinade.
A knife.
A chopping board.
A lemon juicer, if you're fancy.

No need for anything too complicated. A potato peeler is essential for butternut squash . You can use a baking tray too if you dont have a proper roasting tin.

If you don't have a roasting tin, a baking sheet will do. Easy peasy! This easy fall salad is all about simple pleasures.

Plus, I find these warm salad recipes the best!

Cooking Method: Roasting the Dream Butternut Squash Salad

Right, so we're tackling the cooking method for our Warm Butternut squash salad , harissa halloumi salad today. It all boils down to roasting, innit? I mean, who doesn't love roasted butternut squash salad ? Honestly, it's the easiest way to get maximum flavour.

Forget boiling, we're all about that caramelised goodness. Roasting the veg is key for this autumn salad recipe and makes the salad a warm salad recipe , that's what makes this recipe a winner.

Prep Steps for Roasting Glory

Essential mise en place: First things first, get your ducks in a row. Peel and chop the butternut squash, red peppers, and red onions.

Honestly, the peeling is the worst bit, isn't it? Get all 500g butternut squash , 2 red peppers , and 2 red onions prepped.

Time saving organization tips: Chop everything roughly the same size so it cooks evenly. I sometimes chop the squash the night before.

Just saying! Keep all the veggies organized for a smooth butternut squash recipes experience.

Safety reminders: Watch your fingers when chopping! No one wants a finger salad. Oven mitts are your friend.

step-by-step Roasting Process

Preheat the oven to 220° C ( 425° F / Gas Mark 7). It's got to be HOT.
Toss the squash, peppers, and onions with 2 tablespoons olive oil . Season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 10 minutes in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the tin!
Make the harissa marinade: Whisk 1 tablespoon olive oil , juice of 1 lemon , and 4 teaspoons harissa paste . It might be more depending on your heat preference, adjust accordingly.
Marinate the sliced 225g halloumi in the harissa mixture.
Add the marinated halloumi to the roasting tin and roast for another 10 minutes . Aim for golden halloumi and tender veggies.
Assemble your salad with the roasted goodness and salad leaves.
Drizzle with pan juices and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for a Stellar Salad

One stat shows that roasting vegetables instead of boiling them can increase their antioxidant properties by up to 40%!

Expert Techniques: Don't skip the marinade! It elevates this whole dish. Pat the halloumi dry so it browns beautifully. This gourmet butternut squash salad will wow everyone.

Common Mistakes: Overcrowding the pan. It's a no-no. The veggies will steam instead of roast. Make it an easy fall salad with these simple tips.

make-ahead: Roast the veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just warm them up before serving. This butternut squash salad with feta is a breeze to put together with this technique.

This is also a great middle eastern salad recipes

Well, what are you waiting for? This Warm Butternut Squash, Harissa and Halloumi Salad: A Spicy Autumn Treat. Make the recipe today!.

Recipe Notes for the Best Butternut squash salad

Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty, shall we? This Warm Butternut Squash, Harissa and Halloumi Salad is a cracker.

Honestly, it is one of the best butternut squash recipes I’ve cooked up in ages! I’ve made a few tweaks over time, so here are my top tips.

Plating and Presentation: Make it Pop!

Honestly, presentation is key. This roasted butternut squash salad is lovely but can look a bit…brown. Scatter some fresh herbs like parsley or coriander over the top.

A swirl of yogurt dressing can look fancy. Also, consider using a nice big platter for that family style serving vibe.

For drinks? A crisp white wine is ideal. I reckon a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be perfect. Or, if you're not boozing, a sparkling elderflower presse is lush.

A side of crusty bread is a must. Think Mediterranean vibes, really.

Keepin' it Fresh: Storage Secrets

Right, so you've got leftovers of this spiced butternut squash salad ? No worries! Pop it in an airtight container.

Keep it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 2 days. The veggies might lose a bit of their oomph, but it will still taste amazing.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this harissa halloumi salad , the halloumi gets a bit weird. Don’t even bother, mate.

To reheat, a quick blast in the microwave works, or even better, a gentle fry in a pan. This is one of the best warm salad recipes for a reason.

Reheating it brings back the magic.

Mix it Up: Salad Variations

Need a easy fall salad ? Here are some twists you might fancy. For a vegan version, swap the halloumi for grilled tofu marinated in the harissa dressing.

Tofu, when grilled, is quite good and can fool even some hardcore cheese lovers, or so I’ve heard. A gourmet butternut squash salad can be easily achievable if you add some pomegranate seeds for colour and sweetness.

Nutrition Nuggets

This butternut squash salad with feta is pretty healthy, too. One portion clocks in at roughly 384 calories. It is packed with protein, fibre, and all those lovely vitamins from the veg.

Plus, butternut squash is brilliant for your immune system. Honestly, you're doing yourself a favor with this one. It is great as a middle eastern salad recipe .

So there you have it! Get in the kitchen and give this autumn salad recipes a go! You won't regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prep the butternut squash for this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can peel, deseed, and chop the butternut squash a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to save some time when you're ready to roast. Just remember to give it a quick check for any moisture before roasting pat it dry if needed to ensure proper browning.

I'm not a huge fan of halloumi. Is there anything else I can use in this Butternut squash salad ?

No worries, mate! Halloumi isn't for everyone. You could try paneer, though it won't have quite the same squeak, or feta for a salty, crumbly alternative. For a vegan option, grilled firm tofu or tempeh marinated in the harissa dressing would be fantastic.

A bit of nutritional yeast adds a cheesy undertone if you're missing that flavour profile.

How can I make this butternut squash salad even more exciting?

Fancy a bit of pizzazz? Toss in some toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts for added crunch and flavour. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds adds a burst of sweetness and visual appeal. And don't forget fresh herbs! A scattering of mint or coriander can really lift the whole dish.

Think of it as your chance to be a culinary artist!

Can I make this Butternut squash salad ahead of time, and if so, how should I store it?

You can prep some components ahead of time. Roast the butternut squash and other vegetables, and store them separately in the fridge. Also, marinate the halloumi in advance. However, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the leaves from getting soggy.

Reheat the roasted vegetables and halloumi slightly before combining for a warm salad. This avoids a soggy salad, which is nobody's cup of tea!

Is this Butternut squash salad healthy, and what are the nutritional considerations?

This salad definitely packs a nutritional punch! Butternut squash is a great source of vitamins and fiber, while halloumi provides protein and calcium. However, halloumi can be quite high in salt, so bear that in mind if you're watching your sodium intake.

You can always adjust the amount of harissa to control the spice level and overall sodium content.

My harissa paste is really fiery! How can I mellow it out for the salad?

Harissa can be a bit of a firecracker! Start with a smaller amount than the recipe suggests, and taste as you go. You can also mix it with a little extra olive oil or a dollop of yoghurt to tone down the heat.

Alternatively, a squeeze of honey or maple syrup can balance the spiciness with a touch of sweetness, creating a more rounded flavour.