Roasted winter squash, pomegranates and pecans over massaged kale with a light maple balsamic dressing – there is nothing boring about this salad! Rubbing the raw kale with olive oil for a few minutes leaves it tender and takes away the bitterness.
Salad
5.0 (2)

Harvest Kale Salad with Roasted Winter Squash

Indulge in a vibrant Harvest Kale Salad featuring the delightful combination of roasted winter squash, pomegranate arils, and crunchy pecans atop a bed of gently massaged kale, all drizzled with a refreshing maple balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is anything but ordinary! By massaging the raw kale with a splash of olive oil for several minutes, you’ll achieve a tender texture that beautifully balances out any bitterness.

Prep Time
0 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Servings
2 Servings
Calories
329
AmericanTotal: 50 minutes

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Ingredients

  • 1 acorn squash
  • olive oil spray
  • 4 cups thin-sliced kale
  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup pecans
  • 3 tbsp pomegranate seeds
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp pure maple syrup
  • pinch of salt
  • kosher salt
  • pinch cinnamon

Instructions

  1. 1

    Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. 2

    Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Then, slice the squash into 1/2-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet. Lightly mist with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and a dash of cinnamon. Roast the squash for 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time until they become tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, take them out of the oven and set aside.

  3. 3

    In the meantime, take the kale and gently massage it with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil for about 1 to 2 minutes until it is thoroughly coated.

  4. 4

    In a small skillet, toast the pecans over medium-low heat for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

  5. 5

    Combine the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl and whisk them together, then pour over the kale and toss to ensure everything is well mixed.

  6. 6

    To put the salad together, split the kale between two bowls, then top each with the roasted squash, pomegranate seeds, and the toasted pecans before serving.

Nutrition Information

329
Calories
8g
Protein
45g
Carbs
16.5g
Fat
1.8g
Sat. Fat
98mg
Sodium
* Nutrition information is per serving (1 salad)

Notes & Tips

  • Adapted from Lexi's Clean Kitchen Cookbook.

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