Autumn’s Blessing: Sweet Pumpkin & Nut Salad
Autumn Pumpkin and Nut Salad
This salad is a delightful celebration of autumn’s harvest, particularly the sweet and versatile pumpkin. As the seasons change and a cool breeze begins to blow, nature offers us bountiful ingredients, and pumpkin stands out as a true gem. Its natural sweetness and tender texture make it a favorite, and its affordability makes it even more cherished. This recipe transforms simple steamed pumpkin into a delicious and nutritious salad by incorporating a generous amount of wholesome nuts. The combination of the pumpkin’s creamy sweetness and the satisfying crunch of the nuts creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a wonderfully easy dish to prepare, making it an ideal snack, a healthy side dish, or even a filling for sandwiches. Enjoy this simple yet elegant taste of autumn! (Excerpted from the Toronto Central Daily News Thanksgiving Special Edition, October 9, 2022)
Ingredients
- 400-500g steamed and mashed sweet pumpkin
- 2-3 pinches of salt
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 40g mixed nuts (e.g., walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by washing the whole sweet pumpkin thoroughly. To make it easier to handle, place it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes to pre-cook it slightly. This will soften the pumpkin just enough for easy cutting.
Step 2
Carefully remove the pre-cooked pumpkin from the microwave. Slice it in half lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to scoop out and discard all the seeds and stringy pulp from the center.
Step 3
Cut the deseeded pumpkin into roughly 2-3 cm thick pieces. You can choose to leave the skin on for added nutrients and texture, or peel it completely if preferred. Place the pumpkin pieces in a microwave-safe dish or bag and microwave for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until tender. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork.
Step 4
Transfer the cooked pumpkin to a mixing bowl. Mash it using a fork or a potato masher until it reaches a chunky consistency, or for a smoother texture, you can use a blender. Sprinkle 2-3 pinches of salt over the mashed pumpkin and mix well. Add your selection of mixed nuts (like walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds) and combine everything for the first mix. For an extra layer of flavor, consider lightly toasting the nuts beforehand.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to add the dressing. To the bowl with the mashed pumpkin and nuts, add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix thoroughly until well combined. You can substitute honey with corn syrup or sugar, and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Step 6
Gradually add 2 tablespoons of milk while mixing to achieve your desired consistency. The amount of milk needed might vary depending on the moisture content of your pumpkin and how finely you mashed it. Add milk little by little until you reach a creamy and smooth salad texture. If your pumpkin is particularly dense, feel free to add a little more milk.
Step 7
With just a few simple steps, your delicious and healthy Sweet Pumpkin and Nut Salad is ready! You’ll be delighted by how easily this satisfying salad comes together, featuring the delightful crunch of nuts. Enjoy it as is, spread it on toast, or use it as a flavorful filling for sandwiches.
