Sautéed Dates with Roasted Butternut Squash, Wheatberries and Blue Cheese Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Christmas

by: Hetty McKinnon

February16,2017

4.3

6 Ratings

  • Serves 4 as a first course or side

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Author Notes

The natural sweetness of medjool dates and cinnamon-roasted butternut squash is beautifully harmonized with the nuttiness of wheatberry grains and the saltiness of blue cheese. A hearty salad for sharing with family and friends. —Hetty McKinnon

Test Kitchen Notes

This salad has many of my favorite things: sweet, caramelized dates, funky blue cheese, spiced, roasted squash, and peppery arugula. The flavors balance perfectly with one another, amped up by a bright squeeze of lemon and some green parsley. The wheatberries (or farro, as I used) bulk it out, making it a great Not Sad Desk Lunch—just toss the whole thing with a light vinaigrette right before eating, so the arugula doesn’t wilt. —The Editors

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • ¾ cupswheatberries or farro, rinsed
  • 1 garlic clove, skin removed
  • 3 cupschopped butternut squash (500g/1lb)
  • 1/2 teaspoonground cinnamon
  • 3-4 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 6 medjool dates, seeds removed and quartered
  • 2 cupsbaby arugula leaves
  • Handfulflat leaf parsley leaves, torn (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 3.5 ouncesblue cheese (stilton or gorgonzola are my fave), crumbled
  • Handfultoasted walnuts, roughly chopped (about 1/4 cup)
  • Sea salt and black pepper
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 375˚F / 190˚C.
  2. Place a medium pot of salted water on medium-high heat and add the wheatberries and garlic clove. Cover with a lid and bring to the boil. Once boiling, reduce to low and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until the grains are soft. Wheatberries take closer to an hour, but if you choose to use farro, taste it earlier as it cooks a bit quicker. Drain and mash up the garlic with the grains.
  3. Place the butternut squash on a baking tray and scatter over the cinnamon, season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper, and drizzle over 1 tablespoon of olive oil. [Editor's note: Cinnamon works well in this dish, but if you want to switch things up try sprinkling the squash with cumin, coriander, or paprika,} Toss everything to combine. Roast in hot oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until squash is golden and tender.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the dates and turn them for just 1 to 2 minutes, until they are caramelized and sticky. The skin will be slightly crispy. Remove from heat and sprinkle with a big pinch of sea salt.
  5. Combine the grains with the butternut squash, arugula and parsley. Drizzle over some olive oil, add a squeeze of lemon juice, and season well with sea salt and black pepper. To serve, scatter over the dates, blue cheese and walnuts.

Tags:

  • Salad
  • Fruit
  • Grains
  • Arugula
  • Blue Cheese
  • Butternut Squash
  • Clove
  • Date
  • Parsley
  • Walnut
  • Fall
  • Winter
Contest Entries
  • Your Best Recipe with Dates

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6 Reviews

AntoniaJames August 30, 2023

How did I miss this one? Definitely going to try this one, and I'm not waiting until Thanksgiving!! Looks like the perfect fall lunch, adding the arugula right before serving, swapping in pepitas or toasted sunflower seeds (or rosemary-roasted walnuts) for the walnuts, for variety. ;o)

Susan F. May 3, 2021

I agree with the other reviewers. This is a delicious salad, and I have now made it several times. I now consider sautéing dates anytime they are called for in a recipe

Helen January 29, 2021

LOVE this salad. There could be endless riffs on it (use spinach or kale). I used and loved Farro. The more walnuts the better. In short, a real keeper.

noir November 27, 2019

LOVE this salad! My better half is not a fan of blue cheese which I replaced with goat cheese and both variations are delicious! 5 Stars, unbeatable!
One time I was short on time and made barley instead of farro - great grain to pair with this salad! Thank you for sharing!

Jeanette January 13, 2019

Gosh , my husband loved this salad (as did I). I went a little lighter on the wheat berries and dates because of his blood sugar issues - but the complimentary flavors and hunger satisfying nature was terrific. Don't substitute for the arugula. Roasted & salted dates, oh my!

marigoldr November 22, 2018

it was a delicious dish with many interesting tastes..would make it again!

Sautéed Dates with Roasted Butternut Squash, Wheatberries and Blue Cheese Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

How far in advance can you prep butternut squash? ›

Uncooked (diced) butternut squash can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Or to freeze diced uncooked butternut squash, spread it out on a parchment-covered baking sheet in an even layer (no overlapping). Then freeze on the baking sheet for 3-4 hours, or until frozen.

What does roast butternut squash taste like? ›

Golden brown, caramelized, and seasoned with salt and pepper, it has a delectable sweet and salty taste and buttery texture. If you've never roasted butternut squash before, you have to try it this fall!

Can you roast and eat butternut squash skin? ›

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.

Do I need to peel butternut squash before roasting? ›

Learn how to roast butternut squash the EASY WAY without any prep work. No pre-peeling, chopping or deseeding (yes really!). Just whole-roast it in the oven until soft and tender. Use for creamy butternut squash soup, ravioli filling and incredible muffins!

Is it necessary to peel butternut squash before cooking? ›

It's important to note that while many people choose to remove butternut squash skin (and this is best practice for soup making, where you want smooth results), you can 100% eat roasted butternut squash skin. Slice butternut squash into crescents and roast it with the skin on.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

In a large bowl mix the cubed squash, garlic cloves and ginger with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper and scatter in a single layer in a roasting tray. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes until tender all the way through.

What flavors go well with butternut squash? ›

You could do roasted butternut squash with pecans, cranberries, cinnamon, brown sugar etc. This Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries is a fall-fabulous dish that will add a lovely twist as a dinner side dish.

Is Sweet Potato or butternut squash healthier? ›

To begin with, the butternut squash beats the sweet potato with fewer calories, carbs and sugar per serving. Moreover, it is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B6 and E. On the other hand, the sweet potato, however, provides more fiber and protein.

Can dogs eat butternut squash? ›

Generally, butternut squash is safe to feed to most pooches, unless your vet has advised otherwise. As a guide, we would recommend feeding small dogs no more than 1 or 2 teaspoons of butternut squash, whilst bigger dogs can eat up to 3 or 4 tablespoons of butternut squash.

Is the skin of butternut squash good for you? ›

All winter squash skin is technically edible (and when we refer to winter squash, we're contrasting it to soft summer squashes, like yellow squash and zucchini). “All the skins are just fiber and completely safe to eat,” said Ann Ziata, a chef at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Can dogs eat squash? ›

If you're looking for a tasty, low-calorie addition to your dog's diet, you're in luck: Dogs can eat squash safely. In fact, this garden staple has many potential benefits when prepared correctly and given in moderation.

How long will butternut squash keep after cutting? ›

Butternut squash can be huge, sometimes larger than one recipe calls for. Once peeled, squash needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Cut squash will last up to a week in an airtight container like plastic storage containers. If your butternut squash is cut and cooked, aim to use it within 3 or 4 days.

How long does uncooked butternut squash last in the fridge? ›

Refrigerating or Freezing It

If you cut up more than you need for today's recipe, you can store the unused portion in the fridge for at least four days. Just make sure it's covered, ideally in a close-fitting container or zippered plastic bag. Cut butternut squash also can be frozen.

How long will butternut squash keep after picking? ›

Depending on the type of pumpkin or squash, it should last 2 to 6 months when stored at the ideal temperature of between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit; a cool basem*nt can work well. Under ideal storage conditions, acorn squash can last up to 2 months, butternuts 2-to-3 months, and hubbarbs 5 to 6 months.

Should uncooked butternut squash be refrigerated? ›

Do not refrigerate whole butternut squash; it will keep for a month or more in a cool, dark place. Peeled butternut squash should be stored tightly covered and refrigerated for up to five days.

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