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Every salad needs something cheesy guys. It just does.
I think so anyway, and this Miso Roasted Acorn Squash + Pomegranate Salad is no exception. At first, I was not sure if miso and cheese would go together, but let me tell you, they do. And so deliciously well. This salad may seem crazy from the title, and look simple from the pictures, but really it’s a mix of both.
It’s crazy because those waffled grilled cheeses are the best thing to ever happen to a salad. The salad is simple. It’s actually just an acorn squash and pomegranate salad. There’s not a million ingredients, just a handful, and it’s pretty quick to make too.
I am aware that salad and grilled cheese are not usually put together, but I do not have the ability to make a salad without some cheese, some carbs and a warm factor too. I really love warm food, if you hadn’t noticed by now. This is probably why I love the start of fall so much, it means steaming hot and melty foods are perfectly acceptable again. Yes!
I was really trying to wait a while to make this salad since I was not sure if everyone had pomegranates back in their stores yet, but I could not help it. It just sounded so good to me and I really wanted to break open the four pomegranates that I’ve had in my fridge for a couple of weeks. One I was excited to eat them, but two I was excited to photograph them. They are the most photogenic fall fruit. Those little pom arils are like jewels. I cannot get enough of them.
My grocery store has had them in for at least a few weeks now, but maybe that is because I am closer to Cali. I am hoping you east coasters have them in now too.
So this salad has a pretty Asian twist to it. I have been wanting to use more miso ever since this noodle bowl, and acorn squash seemed like the perfect vessel to cover in a sweet maple + miso coating.
It all sounded super delish when I said it in my head, so I have to say I was excited about this salad.
The waffled grilled cheese was a complete after-thought. I was almost done prepping everything for the photos and stuff when I had this feeling that the salad was not hefty enough. It seemed a little boring with just roasted squash, pomegranates and dressing. And that is when it hit me that I kind of, no – most definitely, needed a grilled cheese on this salad.
But not just cheese and bread. I really wanted it to play off the Asian flavors of the salad. SO in came the sesame seed bagel, cheddar apple and tahini grilled cheese. It’s pretty good if you just leave it at that, but then I had the thought to grill the sandwich in the waffle maker. YES, yes, YES! Not only is this super fun, but it’s actually beyond delicious and really easy too. The waffle maker just presses everything together like a Panini and really, I am just in love with it. Best last-minute decision ever. Seriously, you can’t skip the grilled cheese. Of course if you do not have a waffle maker, you can also use the stove, but if you do have a waffle maker, try waffling it.
No seriously, waffle that grilled cheese. Just do it.
Ok so what else, oh yeah the acorn squash. I am a huge fan of any kind of fall squash. Like I love them so much I secretly roast them all year-long. They are my favorite and I am so excited to overload you guys with squash recipes this fall. They’re gonna be good.
The miso/maple mixture is delicious on this acorn squash. It’s such a perfect balance of sweet and savory and I love the Asian flavors too. For some reason I think they pair really well with acorn squash.
And of course, the pomegranates are equally delicious. I have already gone through way too many pomegranates – and it’s only the first week of fall. I guess it is a good thing that they are soo good for you!
For the dressing, I went with a super simple blend of reduced pomegranate juice, molasses and ginger. It may be a little odd but when it hits that baby kale, it’s perfection. Plus, it pairs well with all the flavors going on in the salad.
All that green kale and pretty pomegranate arils cancel out the bread, butter and cheese, right?
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Well on this Thursday, they totally do.
I don’t have the energy for a full salad – would the squash taste ok on it’s own?
Hey Jessica,
Sure, that would work! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
so much fun! what kind of waffle maker do you have i’m in the market for one i can use for alternative flours and veggies and these kinds of things! love it as always!
Hey Emily! My waffle maker is Breville. Linked below!! Thank you!
https://rstyle.me/+a-oIj5JNWl5t5OFviP4dsw
This looks SOOO good! Where would I find hot chile sesame oil though? Is it a particular brand?
Hey Sara,
I like to make my own with garlic, chili flakes, and sesame oil. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Do you have nutrition info for this recipe?
Hi Nancy! I am working on adding it, but for now I do not. So sorry about this! I hope you still try this recipe!
Tieghan, oh my gush, i just ate the entire bowl of that unbelievable salad. I meant to share with my hubby, but after initial bite i moved my plate away, put salad bowl in front of me and could not stop. UNBELIEVABLE!! That pomegranate juice reduction dressing is just to die for, and pumpkin is such a good addition to that salad! I have already tried your glazed salmon last week, and it was really good as well, i am making that again.
Loved the idea of waffle bagel, but was not crazy about it on a plate. Hubby loved it thought, it was a happy switch– all of the salad for me and all of the bagel for him 🙂
You prove again and again to have amazing flavor combinations. I don’t know how to thank you enough
OMG!! Thank you so much!! I am so excited you guys loved this!! 🙂
Trying this for lunch today! Amazing combinations! Just to clarify, do you mean pomegranate molasses? or dates? Thank you Dear xx
Hi!! I just mean regular molasses, but pomegranate molasses would work great too! Hope you love this salad!! 🙂
I never would have thought to put tahini on a grilled cheese, but that sounds amazing!
Thanks so much, Johanna! Tahini is delish in this sammie!
This is the salad of my dreams! Must have it noooow!
Thanks Ashley! Hope you are enjoying the first weekend of fall!
I never would’ve thought to make grilled cheese in a waffle maker. Super clever and pretty idea! I love grilled cheese with a side of salad (it makes the salad much lovelier, you’re right) and this combination seems perfect indeed! Thanks Tieghan!
Thank you! The waffle maker does amazing things to a grilled cheese! 🙂
Gorgeous salad! I’m so in love with pomegranates lately. Also, all of your Christmas pins on Pinterest recently are my absolute FAVORITE. I am so with you on that, girl 🙂
Haha! Thank you! I cannot believe I am pinning christmas pins already!
Love that you use tahini in this recipe. Love tahini and want to try it in more of my cooking, so this recipe is a must. Jelouse that you guys have pomegranate in stores, they have not arrived at our stores yet, can’t wait. And that grilled sandwich.. i drooled all over the screen!
I love tahini. It is so good with so many things.
Thank you!
this just looks like fall, I never would have thought to use all those flavors, but it looks perfect together
Thank you so much, Heather!
Looks very unappetizing honestly. Trying way too hard to be “creative”.