Roasted Pumpkin and Bush Tomato Salad with Finger Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad combining sweet roasted pumpkin and tangy bush tomatoes, finished with a zesty dressing featuring Australian finger lime pearls. This australian-inspired salads ready in about 40 minutes blends (about 400g) pumpkin, peeled and diced, olive oil, sea salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 3 cups diced peeled pumpkin with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway.
  2. Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups fresh baby spinach, 1 cup halved fresh bush tomatoes, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup toasted pepitas.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Add the roasted pumpkin to the salad bowl, pour over the dressing, and toss gently to coat.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp finger lime pearls and 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander on top for a citrusy burst and fresh aroma before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Roasted Pumpkin and Bush Tomato Salad with Finger Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Roasted Pumpkin and Bush Tomato Salad with Finger Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Pumpkin and Bush Tomato Salad with Finger Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Roasted Pumpkin and Bush Tomato Salad with Finger Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Roasted Pumpkin and Bush Tomato Salad with Finger Lime Dressing?

Australian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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