Roasted Acorn Squash and Kale Salad is perfect for fall and winter! Roasted squash adds sweetness, along with currants and a maple vinaigrette. Delicious enough for a spot on the holiday table and easy enough for a weeknight meal. Enjoy the contrasting flavors and textures in this gluten free salad recipe!
1/2cupsunflower seedsplus a little more for garnish
1/2cupcrumbled feta cheese
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Instructions
Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
While whisking, drizzle in the olive oil and continue whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Make the salad:
Preheat the oven to 400°F with a wire rack placed in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment or aluminum foil.
Place the slices of acorn squash on the baking sheet, toss in the olive oil, making sure the squash is evenly coated.
Season the squash on both sides with salt, pepper and paprika.
Place in the oven to roast for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
In a bowl, toss the kale, carrots, cabbage, currants and sunflower seeds in about 3/4 of the dressing.
Arrange the salad in a platter, and top with the acorn squash. Drizzle with remaining dressing and top with feta cheese, and a few more sunflower seeds, for garnish.
Notes
To save time, I used pre-bagged Organic Kale Salad by Harvest Sensations, found at Whole Foods. For this recipe, 1/2 a 1-lb bag works perfectly.
Components of the salad can be prepared in advance:
Acorn squash can be roasted the day before and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply reheat before serving.
The kale, carrots, cabbage, currants and sunflower seeds can be tossed in 3/4 of the dressing the day before and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.