Best Winter Panzanella Salad - How to Make Panzanella Salad

Step 1Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 400°. Wrap beets in foil, place in a baking dish, and roast on top rack, checking for doneness after 1 hour, until tender enough to easily pierce with a paring knife, about 1 hour and 30 minutes total. Let cool until cool enough to handle, then rub outsides with a paper towel or clean dish towel to peel. Cut into 3/4" pieces.

Step 2Meanwhile, slice top off squash, then cut in half lengthwise. Slice into 1/4" half-moons, then cut each half-moon into 2 pieces. Transfer squash to a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon syrup, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper and toss until coated. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3Bake squash on bottom rack, tossing halfway through, until tender, about 20 minutes. Let cool.

Step 4Reduce oven temperature to 325°. In a large bowl, toss bread, 3 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5Bake bread, turning cubes halfway through, until golden brown and crisp, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 6Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk grapefruit juice, garlic, thyme, mustard, 1 tablespoon white scallion parts, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 2 tablespoons syrup until well blended. Slowly whisk in remaining 6 tablespoons oil until dressing is smooth.

Step 7In a large bowl, toss squash, croutons, parsley, pomegranate seeds, green scallion parts, 1/2 cup dressing, and a pinch of salt. In a small bowl, toss beets with 1/4 cup dressing.

Step 8Trim peel from top and bottom of grapefruit. Stand grapefruit upright, then slice peel away from flesh from top to bottom, following the curve of the fruit. Hold peeled grapefruit in your palm and slice between flesh and membrane of each segment to release segments.

Step 9Transfer squash mixture to a platter. Top with beets, blue cheese, and grapefruit segments. Serve with remaining dressing alongside.