Make-Ahead Roasted Squash and Kale Salad With Spiced Nuts, Cranberries, and Maple

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Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious salad that you can prepare in advance?

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Make-Ahead Roasted Squash and Kale Salad With Spiced Nuts, Cranberries, and Maple
Total
1 hr 45 min
Servings
6

Method

  1. Adjust the oven rack to the center position and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. In a large bowl, toss the squash pieces with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

  3. Arrange the squash in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil.

  4. Bake the squash in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it is tender throughout and well-browned around the edges.

  5. Remove the squash from the oven and allow it to cool completely before attempting to remove it from the foil.

  6. Carefully remove the squash from the foil using a thin metal spatula and transfer it to a large bowl. Set aside.

  7. In a separate large bowl, pick the leaves off of the kale stems and roughly tear them with your hands. Discard the stems.

  8. Drizzle the kale leaves with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Massage the leaves until they are well-coated in oil.

  9. Transfer the kale leaves to a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake them until wilted and crisp in some spots, which should take about 10 minutes.

  10. Remove the kale from the oven and transfer it to the bowl with the squash.

  11. In the same large bowl used for the squash, combine cinnamon, paprika, nutmeg, cloves, cayenne pepper

About this recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious salad that you can prepare in advance? Look no further! This make-ahead roasted squash and kale salad with spiced nuts, cranberries, and maple is the perfect option. Not only is it bursting with flavors, but it also offers a delightful combination of textures.

Why Choose a Make-Ahead Salad?

Preparing a salad in advance has numerous advantages. Firstly, it allows you to save time, especially if you have a busy schedule. You can simply whip up the salad when you have a free moment and enjoy it later without any hassle. Secondly, the flavors of the ingredients have time to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful and satisfying salad. Lastly, a make-ahead salad is a great option for meal prepping. You can portion it out into containers and have a healthy and delicious lunch or dinner ready to go for the week.

The Star Ingredients

This salad is a delightful mix of roasted squash, hearty kale, spiced nuts, tangy cranberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.

Roasted Squash

The roasted squash adds a creamy and slightly sweet element to the salad. Its soft texture pairs beautifully with the crunchy kale and nuts.

Kale

Kale is known for its robust flavor and nutritional benefits. It provides a satisfying crunch and is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Spiced Nuts

The spiced nuts add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor. They offer a touch of warmth and a hint of spice to the salad.

Cranberries

Tangy cranberries provide a burst of freshness and a pop of color to the salad. They balance out the sweetness of the roasted squash and maple syrup.

Maple Syrup

A drizzle of maple syrup brings all the flavors together and adds a touch of sweetness to the salad. It complements the roasted squash and cranberries perfectly.

Preparing the Salad

Start by roasting the squash until it's tender and golden brown. While the squash is roasting, prepare the kale by massaging it with a bit of olive oil to soften the leaves. Once the squash is ready, let it cool before combining it with the kale, spiced nuts, and cranberries. Drizzle the maple syrup over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.

Conclusion

This make-ahead roasted squash and kale salad with spiced nuts, cranberries, and maple is a true delight for your taste buds. It's a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrition. Prepare it in advance and enjoy a hassle-free and delicious meal whenever you desire.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can use any type of squash you prefer. Butternut squash or acorn squash work particularly well in this recipe.

. Can I substitute the kale with another leafy green?

Absolutely! If you're not a fan of kale, you can use spinach or arugula instead.

. Are the spiced nuts necessary?

The spiced nuts add a wonderful crunch and flavor to the salad, but if you have a nut allergy or prefer to omit them, the salad will still be delicious.

. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries can be used as a substitute. They will provide a slightly different texture but will still offer a burst of tangy sweetness.

. Can I use a different dressing?

While the maple syrup dressing complements the flavors of the salad nicely, you can use any dressing of your choice. Balsamic vinaigrette or lemon-tahini dressing would be great alternatives.

. How long does the salad stay fresh?

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container.

. Can I add protein to the salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese would be excellent additions to make the salad more filling and satisfying.

. Can I serve this salad warm?

Yes, you can serve the salad warm if you prefer. Simply toss the roasted squash with the kale while it's still warm, and the heat will slightly wilt the kale leaves.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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