Grilled Acorn Squash Salad is the perfect side dish or hearty main dish for your fall entertaining or family dinners. Grilling acorn squash is super easy, and adds incredible flavor to this easy salad!
Roasting isn’t the only way to cook acorn squash. Grilling is just as easy, and adds great flavor to this autumn squash.
This is an all around fantastic side dish for holiday meals, family dinners, or just a quick weeknight meal.
What is Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is categorized as a winter squash, but is often seen in late summer and fall. It has a green exterior with vertical ridges from stem to base that loosely mimics the shape of an acorn.
The interior of the squash is orange and when roasted or grilled has a great soft texture. The skin, when slowly roasted is also edible. The flavor profile when roasted is a soft texture and slightly sweet. It is great if flavored with sweet or savory characteristics making this one of our favorite squashes to cook with.
How to Grill Acorn Squash
We’re using the direct/indirect grilling method to cook our squash. We start by cutting up our squash into wedges lengthwise, removing the seeds and pulp with a spoon, and tossing them with olive oil. The olive oil is going to keep the squash from sticking to the grill grates.
Next you’re going to want to place them on the hot grill for about 3 minutes per side, just to get them started and to get those grill marks to appear, slightly caramelizing the squash. Then move them to the indirect side to finish cooking. They should continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes on the indirect side, or until they are fork tender. While on the indirect side I like to brush the squash on each side with a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
If you are using a gas grill, set the grill to medium high heat, and do the same for direct grilling. Then reduce to a lower heat setting to finish. You can also do two zone cooking on a gas grill depending on the size.
Once your acorn squash is done you can serve it as a simple side dish or incorporate it into this delicious salad below.
Acorn Squash Salad
While the squash is grilling you can prepare this simple salad. Mix up your citrus vinaigrette, toss it with arugula, and add some dried cranberries, goat cheese, and place the grilled squash wedges on top. You can remove the outer skin before serving, or serve it as is. I like to serve it with the skin on for presentation, and allow guests to remove the skin as they eat the salad.
For additional flavor consider topping with a light drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar, or adding some toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.
Grilled Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 1 Acorn squash
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- maple syrup, for drizzling
For the Salad
- 3 cups arugula, rinsed and dried
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons goat cheese, crumbled
- Optional: drizzle of aged balsamic, seeds, or toasted nuts
For the Salad Dressing
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 twist freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare grill for direct/indirect or two-zone cooking using lump charcoal. If using a gas grill, preheat grill for medium heat.
- Slice acorn squash in half length wise, remove any stem. Using a spoon scoop out seeds and extra flesh. Cut into wedges, lengthwise, along the lower ridges.
- Brush wedges with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place on direct heat for 3 minute per side, to get grill marks, then move to indirect for another 8-10 minutes or until fork tender. Apply a small drizzle (or brush on) maple syrup to the squash as you move to indirect and again when you remove the squash wedges from the grill.
Salad Dressing
- In a small bowl combine orange juice, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper and whisk. While whisking add olive oil and incorporate.
- Pour dressing over the arugula in a large bowl and mix.
Preparing Salad
- On a large plate add dressed arugula. On top add acorn squash. Sprinkle dried cranberries, and goat cheese crumbles and serve. Optional drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar and seeds.
What to serve this Grilled Acorn Squash Salad with:
- Smoked Lamb Chops
- Smoked Prime Rib
- Grilled Pork Collar
- Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey with Bourbon Brine
- Ribeye Steaks
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