I’m going to keep this short and sweet…
Like the organic Honeycrisp apples that broke through my flimsy paper bag, plummeting to the floor of the grocery store produce section before haphazardly rolling away in every possible direction.
I don’t know which was more bruised, the overpriced apples or my fragile ego.
But there’s nothing a loaded seasonal salad can’t fix.
(Said no one ever.)
Anywho.
This autumn dream is packed with tender dino kale, roasted delicata squash, thinly sliced Honeycrisps, and nutty toasted walnuts.
A light and tangy maple vinaigrette brings everything together.
The end.
P.S. Make sure to dry your kale as much as possible to avoid watering down the salad. If you’re a devoted kale hater (shame), feel free to use mixed greens instead.
P.P.S. Have juicy pears on hand? Swap those guys in for the apple. Need to use up a borderline too soft cado? Invite him to the party. The guest list is open.
Autumn Kale Salad with Delicata Squash, Apples & Maple Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- Pink sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 2 cups 1/2"-inch slices delicata squash (quarter rings, seeds removed, skin intact)
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups torn Dino Kale (rinsed, gently squeezed dry with paper towel or clean dish towel)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced apple (I used Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts
- Pink sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-large bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients until combined. Taste and adjust ingredient amounts to your liking. Set aside.
- Heat the oven to 425. Line a rimmed large metal baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the delicata squash in one teaspoon of oil, then spread out in a single layer. Roast for 10 minutes, flip, then roast for another 10 minutes or until tender.
- While the squash is cooking, tear the rinsed kale into bite-sized pieces, gently squeezing dry with a paper towel or clean dish towel—this will help make the kale more tender.
- Toss the kale with the dressing, massaging with your hands.
- Fold in the roasted squash, apple slices, and walnuts. Season liberally with salt and pepper.