Roasted Pumpkin & Peas Salad with Green Tahini and Sesame Seeds
Sweet roasted pumpkin, tender peas, fresh herbs, crunchy sesame seeds, and a vibrant green tahini dressing (tahini blended with herbs, lemon, and garlic). This salad is colorful, nourishing, and Mediterranean-style with a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and nutty flavors.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25–30 minutes
Total: ~40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
3 cups pumpkin, peeled & cut into cubes (or butternut squash)
1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup cucumber, diced (optional for freshness)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp sesame seeds (white or mixed)
Fresh parsley or mint, chopped (2–3 tbsp)
For the Green Tahini Dressing
3 tbsp tahini
½ cup fresh herbs (mix of parsley, cilantro, mint, or just parsley)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic (optional, skip if you want mild)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
2–4 tbsp cold water (to thin)
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Roast the pumpkin
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Toss pumpkin cubes with:
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
3. Spread on a tray and roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden + tender.
2. Cook the peas
If using frozen: boil for 2–3 minutes, then drain.
If fresh: steam until tender.
Let cool slightly.
3. Make the green tahini
Blend or whisk together:
- tahini
- herbs
- lemon juice
- garlic
- olive oil
- honey
- salt
Add cold water slowly until smooth and creamy but pourable.
4. Assemble the salad
In a bowl combine:
- roasted pumpkin
- peas
- red onion
- cucumber (optional)
- herbs
Drizzle with green tahini dressing and toss gently.
5. Finish with crunch
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top (toast them for extra flavor).
Notes
You can add feta cheese for extra creaminess.
Add chickpeas or quinoa for extra protein.
Works great warm or chilled.
If dressing thickens, thin with lemon water.
⭐ Tips
Cut pumpkin into even cubes so they roast perfectly.
To make extra crunchy: add toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds.
Massage red onion with a few drops of lemon to reduce sharpness.
❓ frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Store everything separately and mix before serving.
Q: Does green tahini turn dark?
If using herbs, it stays green 1 day. Add a squeeze of lemon to preserve color.
Nutritional Estimate
Calories: ~260
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 5g