In the realm of dinner and meal ideas, green salads often stand as a refreshing and healthy option. However, the warm wilted salad we're about to explore takes this classic concept to a whole new level. This salad is not just a simple mix of greens; it's a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

The star ingredient in this salad is the mild spaghetti squash. Unlike other squashes that can have a strong, overpowering flavor, the spaghetti squash mostly contributes texture. When cooked, it breaks apart into long, thin strands that resemble spaghetti, hence its name. These strands add a unique and satisfying chewiness to the salad, making it more substantial and filling.

But the real magic of this salad lies in its dressing and toppings. The smoked paprika brown butter dressing is a game-changer. Brown butter, with its rich, nutty flavor, is already a delicious addition to any dish. When combined with the smoky, slightly spicy notes of smoked paprika, it creates a dressing that is both complex and addictive. The dressing coats the greens and the spaghetti squash strands, infusing each bite with a burst of flavor.

To top it off, the salad is garnished with toasted everything bagel-spiced cashews. Everything bagel seasoning is a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. When these spices are combined with the creamy, buttery cashews and toasted to perfection, they add a crunchy, savory element to the salad. The cashews provide a nice contrast to the softness of the greens and the spaghetti squash, making each bite a delightful combination of textures.

Making this salad is relatively easy. First, you'll need to prepare the spaghetti squash. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast the squash in the oven at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes, or until it's tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. Once the squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape the strands into a large bowl.

Next, make the smoked paprika brown butter dressing. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, it will start to foam and turn golden brown. Once the butter has reached a deep, nutty color, remove it from the heat and stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the dressing cool slightly before pouring it over the salad.

While the dressing is cooling, toast the cashews. Spread the cashews on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with everything bagel seasoning. Bake the cashews in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until they're golden brown and fragrant. Once the cashews are toasted, let them cool completely before adding them to the salad.

Finally, add your favorite greens to the bowl with the spaghetti squash. You can use a variety of greens, such as spinach, kale, arugula, or mixed greens. Drizzle the smoked paprika brown butter dressing over the greens and squash, and toss everything together until the salad is well-coated. Top the salad with the toasted everything bagel-spiced cashews, and your delicious warm wilted salad is ready to serve.

This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding other ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, or grilled chicken. It's a great option for a light dinner or a side dish for a more substantial meal. So, the next time you're looking for a new and exciting salad recipe, give this warm wilted salad a try. You won't be disappointed!