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Crispy Roasted Delicata & Kale Harvest Salad

Crispy Roasted Delicata & Kale Harvest Salad - featured image

A warm, hearty salad featuring caramelized roasted delicata squash, massaged kale, crisp apples, and toasted nuts, all tied together with a tangy maple-vinegar dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash
  • 1 large bunch curly kale
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, sliced thinly
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
  • 1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
  2. Wash delicata squash, cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and slice into 1/4 inch half-moons. Keep skin on.
  3. Place squash slices on a large sheet pan in a single layer. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
  4. Roast squash for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender with golden-brown edges.
  5. While squash roasts, wash and dry kale. Remove tough stems and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage with hands for 2-3 minutes until leaves are dark green and tender.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard until emulsified.
  8. Slice apple into thin wedges. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
  9. In a large serving bowl, combine massaged kale and roasted squash. Drizzle dressing over top and toss gently.
  10. Add sliced apples and toasted nuts. Sprinkle with crumbled cheese and toss one more time.
  11. Serve immediately while squash is still warm.

Notes

Do not crowd the pan when roasting squash to ensure caramelization rather than steaming. Massage the kale thoroughly to break down fibers. The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Serve warm for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash, kale salad, harvest salad, fall recipe, roasted vegetables, healthy dinner, gluten-free, vegetarian