Go Back
–+ servings
Autumn Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Autumn Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

This Autumn Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette is a vibrant mix of flavors and textures that celebrates the season.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 large kabocha squash
  • 1-2 tablespoons oil for roasting
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 cups dinosaur kale chopped
  • 1 cup raw pecans toasted
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Oven
  • blender
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Large bowl

Method
 

Roasting and Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice kabocha squash into wedges or cubes and toss with oil, salt, and cinnamon. Place on the lined baking sheet. Roast squash for roughly 20 minutes, or until fork tender. Remove and set aside.
  2. In a blender, combine all dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. If too thick, add more oil, 1 tablespoon at a time, or a bit of water.
  3. Place pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, tossing halfway through, watching to avoid burning.
  4. Massage kale with olive oil for 1-2 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, add kale, roasted squash, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pecans. Top with dressing and toss to combine.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 6.5gFat: 6.4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 61mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 8.7gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad is versatile; feel free to substitute kabocha squash with butternut squash or pumpkin, and add feta or grilled chicken for extra protein.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!