A colorful and easy Japanese pumpkin salad served in cups — just chill it in the refrigerator, and you can “pop” it out for a beautiful addition to any meal!
Made with simple ingredients like kabocha, ham, cheese, and broccoli, this deli-style salad looks fancy but takes only minutes to prepare.
It’s light, creamy, and perfect for entertaining or everyday meals.
10 minutes
Rinaty
PROFILE
INGREDIENTS
SERVES 2
Original recipe (1X) yields 2 servings
When scaling the recipe, the ratios of some ingredients may require slight adjustments. Adjust as necessary and season to taste.
- 5 oz kabocha (Japanese pumpkin, seeded)
- 1 3/4 oz frozen broccoli
- 1 slice ham
- 1 cube cream cheese or snack cheese (baby cheese)
- 2 cherry tomatoes
- A few leaves of frilled lettuce
- A1 tbsp. Japanese mayonnaise
- ASalt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- 1
Cut kabocha into bite-sized pieces. Place in a pot with just enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, until tender. Add frozen broccoli during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
- 2
Drain well. Place only the kabocha into a bowl and mash with a fork or masher until smooth.
- 3
Tear the ham and cheese into small pieces and add to the bowl. Add (A) ingredients (mayonnaise, salt, and pepper) and mix to combine.
- 4
Place torn lettuce into small cups or serving bowls. Spoon the kabocha mixture on top. Garnish with broccoli and halved cherry tomatoes. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
RecipeID
443
Tips & Notes
・The flavor deepens when chilled, so it’s best to let the salad rest in the refrigerator before serving.
・You can make the kabocha salad ahead of time and assemble with lettuce, broccoli, and tomatoes just before serving.
・For a softer, creamier texture, boiling the kabocha is recommended, though microwaving also works for convenience.
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About Me I was born and raised in Fukuoka in 1995. I love discovering delicious food just as much as I love eating it! As of January 2025, I’m grateful to have around 850,000 followers on Instagram—thank you so much for your amazing support. My Recipe Philosophy Through cooking, I hope to share many moments of happiness. Whether you’re someone who cooks daily for your family despite a busy schedule, or someone who wants to prepare a delicious meal for a loved one, I want my recipes to be your go-to. I focus on recipes that are easy to make using familiar ingredients and everyday seasonings found in any home. My dishes are not so much “fancy” in flavor as they are warm, home-style meals—simple, quick, and budget-friendly. I would be delighted if my recipes could bring a small sense of warmth and joy to both those who cook and those who eat. The happiness of making something tasty, the joy of hearing “It’s delicious!”, the smiles around the dining table, and the fun of cooking together with children—these are the heartwarming little moments I hope to deliver through my cooking."