Savory Delicious Autumn Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Bliss

This Savory Delicious Autumn Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette is a perfect representation of autumn flavors, blending kale, roasted squash, and apples.

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Keyword: autumn recipes, Healthy Salads, Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette, Savory Delicious Autumn Kale Salad, Seasonal Ingredients

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 45

Servings: servings

Calories: 350kcal

Equipment

Oven
Baking Sheet
Mason Jar
Mixing bowl

Ingredients

For the Salad

1 bunch Curly Kale Remove tough stems and massage with salt.
1 tsp Sea Salt For massaging the kale.
1 medium Delicata Squash Can substitute with butternut squash.
2 tbsp Olive Oil Extra virgin recommended.
to taste Pepper Freshly cracked black pepper.
1/2 cup Pecan Halves Can experiment with other nuts.
1 cup Cooked Brown Lentils Chickpeas or quinoa can be alternatives.
1 large Apple Diced, Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended.
1/2 cup Raisins For added sweetness.

For the Dressing

1/4 cup Maple Balsamic Dressing Homemade or store-bought.

Instructions

How to Make Savory Delicious Autumn Kale Salad

Remove the tough stems from your curly kale, then massage it gently with sea salt for 2-3 minutes until it feels tender and vibrant. Set it aside to soften further.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the delicata squash into half-moons, toss them with olive oil, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
Pop the squash into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Flip the pieces and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes or until they are tender and beautifully browned.
In a mason jar, combine the ingredients for the maple balsamic dressing. Seal the jar tightly and shake until everything is well mixed and combined.
Drizzle half of the dressing over the kale and mix it together. Gently fold in the roasted squash, pecan halves, cooked lentils, diced apple, and raisins. Add the remaining dressing and toss everything to coat.
Transfer the salad to serving plates or a large platter. Enjoy this vibrant, seasonal salad at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best experience!

Notes

Optional: Garnish with additional pecans or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for extra flavor and color. Storage strategies include keeping leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Nutrition