Description
This Roasted Butternut Squash & Kale Salad is a warm, nourishing salad bursting with fall flavors caramelized butternut squash, massaged kale, cranberries, toasted pecans, and creamy feta, all tossed in a tangy maple-balsamic dressing. Perfect as a wholesome side or light main dish.
Ingredients
For the salad:
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice (for massaging kale)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans (toasted, optional)
½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
For the maple-balsamic dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
2. Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and a pinch of salt, then massage gently with your hands for 1–2 minutes until softened.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Add roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and pecans to the kale. Drizzle with the dressing and toss well to coat.
5. Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
🥗 Tips:
– Swap feta for goat cheese or leave it out for a vegan version.
– Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein.
– Best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Salad, Healthy, Vegetarian
- Method: Roasted & Tossed
- Cuisine: American, Fall-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad, Maple Balsamic Dressing, Healthy Fall Salad, Warm Kale Salad, Vegetarian Side Dish