Autumn Kale Salad Dish is the perfect way to embrace the cozy flavors of fall. This hearty salad features roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, and tart cranberries, all brought together by a delightful maple balsamic vinaigrette. With every bite, you’ll experience a medley of textures and tastes that celebrate the season while keeping your meal light and nutritious. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing dish!

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Kale Salad Dish

This salad is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and packed with nutrients. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:

It’s a Fall Kale Salad Recipe that highlights seasonal ingredients.
The natural sweetness from the roasted squash and apples balances beautifully with the tangy vinaigrette.
Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main course.
Loaded with antioxidants and healthy fats, making it a Nutritious Fall Kale Salad.
Easy to prepare, taking just about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Great for meal prep! Make it ahead and enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients for Autumn Kale Salad Dish

Gather these items:

1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (approx. 3 cups)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 bunch curly kale, de-stemmed and chopped (approx. 5–6 cups)
1 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala)
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 oz crumbled goat cheese (optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small clove garlic, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste

How to Make Autumn Kale Salad Dish Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
Step 2: Wash and chop the kale. Massage with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 1–2 minutes to soften the leaves.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Combine kale, roasted squash, apple slices, cranberries, toasted pecans, and goat cheese in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently.
Step 5: Enjoy immediately, or let sit 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for the Best Autumn Kale Salad Dish

Keep these in mind:

Choose a ripe butternut squash for maximum sweetness.
Massage the kale to make it tender and more palatable.
Let the salad sit before serving to enhance the flavor.
For a Kale Salad with Roasted Vegetables, consider adding roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts.

Delicious Autumn Kale Salad Dish for Fall Flavors - Autumn Kale Salad Dish - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Autumn Kale Salad Dish

This salad pairs wonderfully with various dishes:

Serve alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a hearty meal.
Make it a main dish by adding quinoa or farro.
Pair it with a warm soup for a comforting fall dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Autumn Kale Salad Dish

To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day! If you plan to reheat, separate the roasted squash to maintain its texture, and add it back just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Kale Salad Dish

What’s the secret to perfect Autumn Kale Salad Dish?

The key is to roast the butternut squash until it’s caramelized, which adds a deep flavor. Also, massaging the kale helps to soften the leaves, making your salad more enjoyable.

Can I make Autumn Kale Salad Dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the roasted squash and dressing in advance. Just combine everything right before serving to keep the kale fresh.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Autumn Kale Salad Dish?

Avoid over-massaging the kale, as it can become too wilted. Also, be careful not to add too much dressing at once; start with a little and add more as needed.

Variations of Autumn Kale Salad Dish You Can Try

Here are some creative ideas to customize your salad:

Add roasted sweet potatoes for extra sweetness.
Include a mix of autumn greens for a variety of textures.
Top with pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch.
Experiment with different cheeses like feta or blue cheese for added flavor.

With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this Autumn Kale Salad Dish is bound to become a favorite in your fall repertoire. It not only celebrates the season’s bounty but also provides a healthy, satisfying option for any meal. Enjoy this delightful salad as you savor the beauty of autumn!

Delicious Autumn Kale Salad Dish for Fall Flavors

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The Perfect Autumn Kale Salad Dish for a Cozy Season

Author: Robert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Roasting and Tossing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (approx. 3 cups)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 bunch curly kale, de-stemmed and chopped (approx. 5–6 cups)
1 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala)
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 oz crumbled goat cheese (optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small clove garlic, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
Wash and chop the kale. Massage with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 1–2 minutes to soften the leaves.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine kale, roasted squash, apple slices, cranberries, toasted pecans, and goat cheese in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently.
Enjoy immediately, or let sit 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.