Best 2 Festive Kale And Delicata Squash Salad Recipes

A colorful and wholesome festive kale and delicata squash salad can be a delightful addition to your holiday table. This flavorful salad pairs the peppery bite of kale with the sweet and nutty flavor of roasted delicata squash. It's a vibrant and refreshing dish that not only looks beautiful but also provides essential nutrients and vitamins for a healthier holiday season. Whether you're hosting a friendsgiving or looking for a unique side dish for your family gathering, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Let's cook with our recipes!

AUTUMN KALE SALAD

Autumn Kale Salad image

The salad below celebrates the colors and flavors of fall, adding squash and raisins to contrast the slightly bitter kale greens.

Provided by Liz Alpern

Categories Salad Kale Fall Raisin Squash Dinner Side Thanksgiving

Yield Serves 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/2 head garlic
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon for roasting garlic
1 small delicata squash, unpeeled and thinly sliced, seeds removed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Pinch of cayenne pepper or hot paprika (optional)
1 large head lacinato kale, thickest ribs removed
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup hazelnuts or almonds, toasted and chopped
Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Trim about 1 inch off the head of the garlic, exposing the cloves. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of the olive oil on the garlic skins and rub it in. Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet in the oven. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the individual cloves are completely soft. Remove from the oven and set aside.
At the same time as you roast the garlic, roast the squash. Place the squash pieces in a small bowl and coat with 2 tablespoons of the oil, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the black pepper. Spread out the squash on a large baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pieces are browned and cooked through. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 4 tablespoons oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and the cayenne (if using). Squeeze out the roasted garlic into the dressing. Stir well, breaking up the garlic. Set aside.
Wash and dry the kale thoroughly and slice it into thin strips. Place it in a large bowl and add the dressing a bit at a time, using your hands to massage the kale leaves gently until the volume is reduced and they look softened and shiny. You may have leftover dressing. Add the raisins, nuts, and squash pieces and toss.
Serve the salad at room temperature. Top with shaved Parmesan, if desired

FESTIVE KALE AND DELICATA SQUASH SALAD

Festive Kale and Delicata Squash Salad image

This salad is a great addition to any festive table. The maple-mustard dressing is the star. You can use other kinds of winter squash, dried fruit, and nuts to fit your taste.

Provided by Rita

Categories Vegetable Salads

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 delicata squash - halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch slices
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 ½ pounds lacinato kale, ribs discarded and leaves cut into thin strips
¼ medium head shredded red cabbage
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
salt and pepper to taste
1 apple, cored and sliced

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Stir 2 tablespoons olive oil and cinnamon together in a cup. Place squash on a baking sheet and brush with the cinnamon oil on both sides of each slice.
Roast in the preheated oven until squash is soft and starting to brown at the edges, 30 to 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup olive oil, maple syrup, vinegar, and mustard in a jar, close, and shake well. Set dressing aside.
Combine kale, red cabbage, cranberries, and walnuts in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour dressing on top and mix well or massage with your hands. Mix in apple slices.
Arrange the roasted squash slices around the salad and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 255.1 calories, Carbohydrate 21.9 g, Fat 18.8 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 3.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 88 mg, Sugar 9.8 g

Tips:

Choose the right kale. For this salad, it's best to use a tender variety of kale, such as baby kale or Lacinato kale. Avoid using mature kale, as it can be tough and bitter.
Massage the kale. This helps to break down the kale's tough fibers and make it more tender. To massage the kale, simply rub it with your hands for a few minutes until it starts to soften and wilt.
Roast the delicata squash. Roasting the delicata squash brings out its natural sweetness and makes it a delicious addition to the salad. To roast the squash, simply toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then roast it in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until it is tender.
Use a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what really brings this salad together. Be sure to use a dressing that is flavorful and complements the other ingredients in the salad. A simple vinaigrette or a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt are both good options.

Conclusion:

This festive kale and delicata squash salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, and it is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. The salad is also very easy to make, and it can be prepared in just a few minutes. So next time you are looking for a healthy and delicious salad, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!