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Cozy Delicata Squash and Kale Harvest Salad: Best Easy Fall Recipe

Cozy Delicata Squash and Kale Harvest Salad - featured image
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A warm and hearty fall salad featuring roasted delicata squash, massaged kale, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and feta cheese, all tossed in a warm maple dressing. Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s perfect for cozy evenings and impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 large bunch curly kale (about 8 ounces), stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the squash: Cut off both ends, slice in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and slice into 1/2-inch thick half-moons.
  3. Season the squash: In a large bowl, toss squash slices with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  4. Roast the squash for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
  5. While the squash roasts, wash and dry the kale. Remove tough stems and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  6. Make the warm dressing: In a small saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Warm over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until just warm.
  7. Pour the warm dressing over the kale and toss immediately with hands or tongs. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to wilt.
  8. Add the warm roasted squash, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and sliced red onion to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
  9. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top and give one final gentle toss.
  10. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For best texture, serve immediately while warm. If meal prepping, store components separately and assemble just before serving. To reduce bitterness in kale, massage the warm dressing into the leaves thoroughly. Toast raw pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash, kale salad, fall salad, harvest salad, roasted squash, maple dressing, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy fall recipe

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/cozy-delicata-squash-and-kale-harvest-salad-best-easy-fall-recipe/