Kale and Butternut Salad with Balsamic Dressing
This kale and butternut squash salad is a hearty, flavorful dish that's perfect for a fall meal. The kale is massaged with olive oil to help break down its tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to digest. The butternut squash is roasted until caramelized and tender, and the red onion adds a bit of sharpness. The balsamic dressing is a simple but flavorful way to tie the salad together. It's made with balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil, and it adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the salad.
This recipe is inspired by the classic combination of kale and roasted butternut squash. I've added a few of my own twists to make it even more flavorful and satisfying. The massaged kale adds a nice textural contrast to the tender squash, and the balsamic dressing is a delicious way to bring it all together.
Kale and Butternut Salad with Balsamic Dressing Kale and Butternut Salad with Balsamic Dressing Kale and Butternut Salad with Balsamic Dressing Kale and Butternut Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch kale, chopped
  • 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roast butternut squash for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
  4. While the squash is roasting, massage kale in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and remaining olive oil.
  6. Add butternut squash and red onion to kale.
  7. Pour balsamic dressing over salad and toss to coat.
  8. Top with goat cheese and walnuts.
Why It Works
  • Massaging the kale helps to break down its tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to digest.
  • Roasting the butternut squash caramelizes its natural sugars, making it sweet and flavorful.
  • The balsamic dressing adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the salad, which helps to balance out the flavors.
  • The goat cheese and walnuts add a bit of richness and texture to the salad.