Description
Enjoy the perfect sweet and savory balance with this Maple-Roasted Squash & Kale Salad. Tender, caramelized butternut squash combines with nutrient-rich kale and a hint of maple syrup to create a vibrant, healthy, and adaptable salad. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s great for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors that complement any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (pure maple syrup recommended)
- 4 cups fresh kale, washed, stems removed, and roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for massaging kale
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins & Garnishes
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts or seeds (e.g., pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
Instructions
- Prepare and Roast the Squash: Peel and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Toss the cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Massage the Kale: While the squash roasts, rinse and dry the kale well. Remove tough stems and roughly chop the leaves. Place in a large bowl, drizzle with a little olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, then gently massage the kale with your hands for 2-3 minutes to soften and mellow its bitterness.
- Combine the Ingredients: When the squash is roasted and slightly cooled, add it to the massaged kale. Toss gently to combine all flavors. Sprinkle optional toasted nuts or seeds on top if desired for added crunch and flavor.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning by adding extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Aim for a balanced flavor with the sweetness of the squash complemented by the tanginess of lemon and richness of olive oil.
Notes
- Choose firm butternut squash for the best roasting texture.
- Massaging the kale is essential to soften it and reduce bitterness.
- Use pure maple syrup to keep the natural, authentic flavor.
- Roast squash cubes spaced evenly on the baking sheet for proper caramelization.
- Toast nuts or seeds separately to enhance their crunch and flavor before adding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg