Roasted Butternut Squash & Kale Salad

Looking for a healthy fall recipe that’s full of flavor? This Roasted Butternut Squash Salad combines tender roasted squash, nutrient-rich kale, crunchy pecans, and a simple homemade dressing for a delicious seasonal meal or side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

This fall salad is:

• Full of colorful vegetables
• Rich in fiber
• Packed with seasonal flavor
• Easy to prepare
• Great as a side dish or light lunch
• Naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 5 cups fresh kale, chopped
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries, preferably unsweetened or reduced-sugar
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 400°F.
2. Roast the squash: Place cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
3. Prepare the kale: While the squash is roasting, place chopped kale in a large bowl. Massage the kale gently with your hands for 1–2 minutes to soften it.
4. Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine: Add the roasted butternut squash, pecans, cranberries, and feta to the kale.
6. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
7. Serve: Enjoy warm or refrigerate and serve chilled.

Make It a Complete Meal

For additional protein, top this roasted butternut squash salad with grilled chicken, turkey, salmon, or another protein of your choice.

A Seasonal Wellness Favorite

Butternut squash provides fiber and colorful plant nutrients, while kale and pecans add additional nutrients to this satisfying fall salad. Extra-virgin olive oil provides a source of unsaturated fat, making this a flavorful addition to a balanced eating pattern.

Enjoy This Healthy Fall Recipe

This roasted butternut squash salad is an easy way to add more vegetables and seasonal ingredients to your meals. Serve it alongside your favorite protein for a nourishing fall lunch or dinner.