Radicchio Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing for Fall Flavor

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps through the trees and the landscape bursts with vibrant hues, I find myself gravitating towards dishes that mirror the season s bounty. This delightful Radicchio Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing captures that essence perfectly. Imagine sweet roasted sugar pumpkins, their golden flesh melting in your mouth, paired with the crunch of radicchio and the earthiness of beets. Topped with a creamy tahini dressing that brings a nutty richness and a sprinkle of crunchy hazelnuts, this salad promises to elevate your fall gatherings. Whether you re serving it as a colorful centerpiece or a hearty side, each bite offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that celebrate the best of the harvest. Trust me, once you try it, you ll be looking forward to fall just for this salad!

Why is this Radicchio Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing a Must-Try?

Fall Flavors Unite: This salad is a vibrant celebration of autumn s bounty, featuring sweet roasted sugar pumpkins and crisp radicchio.
Creamy Goodness: The tahini dressing adds a rich, nutty creaminess that elevates the entire dish.
Crunch Factor: With crunchy hazelnuts and tender roasted beets, every bite brings satisfying texture contrasts.
Versatile Delight: Perfect as a side for festive meals or as a stand-alone dish that impresses guests.
Healthy Indulgence: Packed with nutrients from veggies and healthy fats, guilt-free deliciousness is within reach.
Seasonal Excellence: Embrace those fall flavors and bring joy to your table with this beautiful mix of ingredients!

Radicchio Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing Ingredients

For the Salad
Sugar Pumpkin Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture when roasted; butternut squash makes a great substitute if needed.
Radicchio Offers a crunchy texture and slight bitterness, creating balance; arugula can be a spicier swap.
Beet Adds earthiness and sweetness; opt for roasted beets for deeper flavor.
Hazelnuts Provides delightful crunch; feel free to use walnuts or pecans as alternatives.
Feta Cheese Introduces creaminess and a salty kick; goat cheese is a delicious alternative, or omit for a vegan option.

For the Dressing
Tahini Forms the base of the dressing, providing creaminess; sunflower seed butter works well for a nut-free version.
Olive Oil Enhances richness and aids in the roasting process; avocado oil is a fantastic alternative for varied flavor.
Lemon Zest & Juice Adds brightness and acidity; lime juice can be easily used for a different touch.
Honey Sweetens the dressing; for a vegan option, maple syrup is a perfect substitute.
Garlic Adds depth and savoriness to the dressing; use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder is a quick stand-in.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.

This Radicchio Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing is a colorful delight that brings the essence of autumn to your table!

How to Make Radicchio Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). This temperature is perfect for roasting the pumpkin until it becomes tender and caramelized.

2. Prepare the Pumpkin: Toss the sugar pumpkin cubes with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper on a baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly browned.

3. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to your liking!

4. Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, gently toss together the roasted pumpkin, radicchio, sliced beets, and hazelnuts. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the top and finish with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavors or chill slightly for a refreshing twist.

Optional: Garnish with extra hazelnuts or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for added color and crunch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Radicchio Pumpkin Salad

• Evenly Cut Pumpkin: Ensure that the pumpkin is cut into uniform cubes for even roasting; smaller pieces may burn while larger ones remain raw.
• Don t Overcrowd the Pan: When roasting, avoid crowding the baking sheet; this allows the sugar pumpkin to caramelize perfectly without steaming.
• Taste the Dressing: Before serving, sample the tahini dressing. If it lacks brightness, add more lemon juice; if it s too tangy, balance it with additional honey.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor in your Radicchio Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing, opt for fresh garlic and ripe vegetables.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the salad components beforehand but keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the radicchio s crispness.
• Experiment with Greens: Feel free to substitute radicchio with spinach or kale for a different taste and texture profile that suits your preferences.

Radicchio Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing Variations

Feel free to play around with this delicious salad and make it your own!

• Greens Swap: Try substituting radicchio with spinach or kale for a different green vibe. Each brings a unique flavor and texture to the mix.
• Sweet Potatoes: Use roasted sweet potatoes instead of sugar pumpkins for a twist on sweetness. Their caramelized edges provide a delightful contrast!
• Add Grains: Incorporate cooked quinoa or farro for a heartier salad. These grains not only boost the nutrient profile but also add a satisfying chew.
• Nut-Free: Replace hazelnuts with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option that still brings crunch. Roasted seeds add a lovely toasty flavor!
• Cheese Alternatives: Swap feta with crumbled goat cheese or omit entirely for a vegan version, allowing the other flavors to shine through beautifully.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat. It s a delightful surprise that elevates every bite!
• Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a burst of freshness. Their vibrant notes will make the salad even more fragrant and lively.
• Dressing Twist: Instead of tahini, try using Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of olive oil and lemon for a creamy dressing with a tangy kick.

Let your creativity run wild and enjoy the wonderful flavors of fall in every bite!

Make Ahead Options

These Radicchio Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can roast the sugar pumpkin and prepare the tahini dressing up to 3 days in advance. Simply store the roasted pumpkin in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. The tahini dressing can also be made ahead of time; just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken in the fridge. To keep the radicchio crunchy, it s best to combine it with the other salad ingredients and drizzle with the dressing just before serving. This way, you ll enjoy the same wonderful flavors and textures, saving time on busy weeknights!

How to Store and Freeze Radicchio Pumpkin Salad

Fridge: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the freshness of the radicchio.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended due to the soft texture of the salad components, particularly the pumpkin and radicchio.

Reheating: If you prefer to reheat any roasted pumpkin, gently warm it in the microwave or a skillet until heated through don t reheat the salad as it can wilt.

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance but dress just before serving to keep the flavors and textures vibrant in this Radicchio Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing.

What to Serve with Radicchio Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing?

Elevate your dining experience by exploring delicious pairings that bring out the full flavors of this autumn delight.

• Grilled Salmon: The rich, flaky fish complements the earthy sweetness of the pumpkin beautifully, making it a perfect protein.

• Quinoa Pilaf: This fluffy side dish adds an extra layer of nuttiness, enhancing the salad s creamy tahini dressing.

• Rustic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf allows you to soak up the dressing, making each bite a delightful experience.

• Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their sweetness echoes the roasted pumpkin, while their tender texture contrasts nicely with the crunchy radicchio.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts brings balance, creating a savory side dish that feels festive and fun.

• Cider Mimosa: A refreshing drink that combines crisp apple cider and sparkling wine captures the spirit of fall while complementing the salad s flavors.

• Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp brings a heartwarming finish to your meal, making the cozy autumn atmosphere unforgettable.

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair your salad with this flavorful beverage to echo the pumpkin theme and warm up your dining experience.

Radicchio Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select a ripe sugar pumpkin?
Absolutely! Look for sugar pumpkins that are heavy for their size, with a firm skin free from blemishes or soft spots. The color should be a deep orange, indicating ripeness. If you can, gently press on the skin; it should feel solid without any give.

How long can I store leftover Radicchio Pumpkin Salad in the fridge?
You can store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep the tahini dressing separate to maintain the radicchio s fresh crunch, which will help it stay crispy and vibrant!

Can I freeze Radicchio Pumpkin Salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the soft textures of the pumpkin and radicchio. If you re looking to freeze the roasted pumpkin, you can do so separately: let the pumpkin cool completely, then place it in a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before using in salads or dishes.

What can I do if my tahini dressing is too thick?
If your tahini dressing is thicker than you d like, don t worry! Gradually whisk in a tablespoon of water or additional lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency. Be sure to mix well and taste; this ensures it maintains that delicious tang!

Are there any common allergens in this salad?
Yes, the Radicchio Pumpkin Salad contains tahini (which is made from sesame seeds), and feta cheese, both of which can be allergens. For a nut-free option, you can swap tahini with sunflower seed butter. If you need a dairy-free or vegan option, simply omit the feta or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.

How should I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?
The more the merrier! To scale up your salad for a larger gathering, simply multiply the quantities of each ingredient accordingly. When preparing, I recommend roasting the pumpkin and beets in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures they caramelize beautifully, adding that lovely depth of flavor!