Often relegated to a simple garnish, pumpkin seeds play a surprisingly crucial role in this inventive salad recipe, adding both a unique flavour and a textural boost to the star dressing. Their inclusion is a small detail that makes a big impact on the final dish.
In the dressing, 25 grams of pumpkin seeds are blended with coriander, parmesan, and olive oil. When blitzed, they break down to help thicken the sauce and contribute a subtle, nutty, and earthy flavour. This adds a layer of complexity that you might not immediately identify but would certainly miss if it were gone.
Beyond flavour, the pumpkin seeds contribute to the dressing’s final texture. Unlike a perfectly smooth emulsion, the sauce retains a “smoothish” quality with a little more body, thanks in part to the ground seeds. This gives it a more rustic, pesto-like character that is incredibly appealing.
This clever use of pumpkin seeds is a great takeaway for any home cook. They are a fantastic, nutrient-dense ingredient for adding body, flavour, and a dose of healthy fats to dressings, pestos, and sauces. This recipe is a perfect example of their transformative power.
