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Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

A close-up of an Amazing Fall Harvest Salad featuring roasted butternut squash cubes, kale, pecans, and dried cranberries.
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Make a crisp salad featuring apples, roasted squash, nuts, and dried cranberries, topped with a simple maple vinaigrette. This recipe works well as a weeknight side dish or a starter for holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
  • 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup chopped apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • For the Maple Vinaigrette:
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast the squash for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. Let it cool slightly.
  4. While the squash roasts, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until combined.
  5. Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Pour about half of the vinaigrette over the kale. Massage the dressing into the kale with your hands for one minute until the leaves soften slightly.
  6. Add the cooled roasted squash, chopped apple, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries to the bowl with the kale.
  7. Drizzle with more vinaigrette to your preference and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  8. Serve immediately or chill for later use.

Notes

  • If you are making this ahead of time, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep the kale crisp.
  • To toast nuts, spread them on a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often until fragrant.
  • For a heartier meal, add cooked quinoa or grilled chicken breast.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/fall-harvest-salad-with-maple-vinaigrette/