Looking for a fall salad that’s packed with flavor, textures, and loads of nutrients? This Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad is exactly what you need. It’s hearty, delicious, and full of seasonal goodness. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner or looking for a tasty side dish, this salad will hit the spot. Plus, it’s so easy to make! Let’s dive in.

Why Butternut Squash Kale Salad Are The Perfect Pair

Butternut squash and kale are a match made in heaven. The naurally sweet roasted squash balances out the slight bitterness of the kale, while the crunch from spiced pine nuts and tartness from green apples add a fun texture and flavor twist. Add creamy goat cheese and tangy dried cranberries to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a salad that checks all the boxes—sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• Butternut Squash: When roasted, this squash becomes soft, sweet, and slightly caramelized, making it a perfect base for any fall salad.
• Kale: This leafy green is a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Massaging it with olive oil makes it softer and more flavorful.
• Green Apple: Adds a crunchy, fresh, and slightly tart bite that pairs perfectly with the roasted squash.
• Dried Cranberries: These little gems bring a burst of sweetness and chewy texture to balance out the savory ingredients.
• Spiced Pine Nuts: Toasted with spices, these nuts give the salad an added crunch and a nutty, slightly spicy flavor that ties everything together.
• Goat Cheese (or Feta): Creamy, tangy, and rich—this cheese adds the perfect contrast to the sweet and savory elements in the salad.

Instructions to Make This Salad:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by heating your oven to 375°F. You want it nice and hot to roast the butternut squash to perfection.
2. Roast the butternut squash: Peel and chop the butternut squash into small, bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle it with salt and arrange the pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray them with olive oil cooking spray. Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until they’re golden and tender. Once done, let them cool for a bit.
3. Prep the kale: While your squash is roasting, grab a medium bowl and toss in the chopped kale. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Now, here’s the key—massage the kale for 3-5 minutes. This helps break down its tough texture and makes it more tender and delicious.
4. Toss it all together: Once the butternut squash has cooled, add it to the bowl with the kale. Toss in the chopped green apples, dried cranberries, spiced pine nuts, and crumbled goat cheese. Give everything a good mix to ensure the flavors meld together.
5. Dress it up: Drizzle your favorite maple cider dressing over the salad and toss once more. This dressing adds a sweet and tangy layer that complements the roasted squash and fresh apples.

Pro Tips:

• Roasting the Squash: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! This helps the squash roast evenly and get those crispy edges we all love.
• Massaging the Kale: It might sound weird, but massaging the kale makes a huge difference. The kale softens up, making it much more pleasant to eat, and the olive oil helps the flavors soak in.
• Spiced Pine Nuts: You can make your own by lightly toasting pine nuts with a sprinkle of cinnamon, cayenne, and salt for an added kick.

Why You’ll Love This Salad:

This Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad isn’t just a salad—it’s a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrition. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, while kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods out there. Green apples bring in a refreshing crunch, cranberries add sweetness, and goat cheese provides a creamy tang. The spiced pine nuts? They’re the secret ingredient that takes this dish to the next level.

Serve this salad alongside roasted chicken and rosemary fingerling potatoes, and you’ve got yourself a full meal. Or, take it to your next potluck or holiday dinner, and watch it disappear!

This salad is perfect for those crisp fall evenings when you want something hearty yet fresh. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats, making it not only tasty but also nutritious. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the main event, this Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad will become a fall staple in your kitchen.

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