This seasonal salad features plenty of cozy ingredients perfect for a crisp fall day, including kale and nuts—two of the best foods to fight inflammation according to research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.. Massaging nutrient-rich kale helps tenderize the leaves while infusing them with the flavors of the dressing. Enjoy this salad as a meal on its own, topped with roasted chicken, or serve it in smaller portions as an easy side for holiday entertaining.
Why This Seasonal Salad is Perfect for Any Time of the Year
This seasonal salad is more than just a colorful side dish. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like kale, butternut squash, and pecans, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make it a great choice for any time of the year. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients for the Seasonal Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious seasonal salad:
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1 medium butternut squash (peeled and cubed, ½-inch; 6 cups)
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5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
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2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, divided
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½ teaspoon salt, divided
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½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
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¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons cider vinegar
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1 clove garlic, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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8 cups chopped stemmed kale
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1 medium unpeeled Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
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½ cup chopped pecans, toasted (see Tip)
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⅓ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
How to Make the Seasonal Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
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Preheat your oven to 400°F.
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In a medium bowl, combine the butternut squash, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and ¼ teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Stir until evenly coated.
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Spread the mixture evenly on a large baking sheet.
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Roast for 25 to 30 minutes or until the squash is tender. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing and Kale
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While the squash roasts, whisk together cider vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper in a large serving bowl.
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Add the chopped kale to the dressing. Massage the kale and dressing with clean hands for 1 to 2 minutes until the kale is wilted and softened.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
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Add the roasted butternut squash, apple slices, and toasted pecans to the massaged kale.
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Toss everything together and top with crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Your seasonal salad is ready to serve. Enjoy it as a main dish or as a flavorful side dish for your next gathering.
Related: How to Cook Beets: Delicious Recipes and Expert Tips
Tips for Making the Best Seasonal Salad
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Toast the nuts: For the best flavor, toast the pecans before using them in the salad. To toast them, place the chopped nuts in a small dry skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Why You Should Try This Seasonal Salad
This seasonal salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients. Kale provides a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, while the butternut squash and apples add fiber and antioxidants. The toasted pecans offer a healthy dose of fats, and the Gorgonzola cheese adds a tangy flavor that ties everything together.
Perfect for any occasion, this salad will become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
