Spicy Squash Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing

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Photo: David Prince
Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
6

Break out of your green salad rut with this lively number.

Ingredients

  • ½ small butternut squash (about 1 pound), peeled, halved, and cut into ¾-inch pieces

  • 1 small acorn squash (1 pound), peeled and cut into ¾-inch wedges

  • Coarse salt

  • ¼ cup very thinly sliced shallot

  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice

  • ½ cup safflower oil

  • 1 to 2 red Thai chiles, thinly sliced (2 teaspoons), ribs and seeds removed if less heat is desired

  • 2 teaspoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger (from a 2-inch piece)

  • cup packed thinly sliced fresh basil, plus more for serving

  • ¼ cup packed thinly sliced fresh mint, plus more for serving

  • 8 cups mixed lettuces, such as Boston, Bibb, and lolla rossa or baby red leaf, for serving

Directions

  1. Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in large pot with a steamer insert or colander. Add squashes and season with salt. Cover and cook until just tender, about 7 minutes. Transfer, in a single layer, to a baking sheet and let cool about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, combine shallot and lime juice in a small bowl and let stand 10 minutes.

  2. Whisk oil, chiles, and ginger into shallot mixture.

  3. Toss squash with 1/2 cup dressing and herbs. Season with salt. Toss lettuces with 2 to 3 tablespoons dressing; season with salt. Arrange squashes and lettuces on plates. Serve, topped with more herbs and drizzled with remaining dressing.

Originally appeared: Martha Stewart Living, October 2015

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