Kale, Quinoa & Butternut Squash Salad

by | Updated: December 4th, 2016 | Read time: 1 minute

Fresh-from-the-garden greens are not a 12-month special. It’s up to you to make them special. So when the temperature begins to dip, simply mix up your salad mix-ins. Instead of fresh slices of strawberries over arugula, you’ll top hearty kale with dried cranberries, crunchy pumpkin seeds and roasted butternut squash. This fall-inspired recipe is an exceptional example of how fresh can feel oh-so cozy.

Wood Bowl Filled with Butternut Squash, Quinoa & Kale Salad #recipe | Vitacost.com/blog 

 

Kale, Quinoa & Butternut Squash Salad

Gluten-free * vegan
Makes 3-4 servings

Salad

3-4 cups diced squash (around 2 lb.)
1 ½ tsp. olive oil
Salt to taste
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup chopped kale
3 Tbsp. walnuts
2 Tbsp. dried cranberries
2 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds

Dressing

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1 ½ tsp. rice vinegar
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
Juice of 1 lime
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. In a large bowl, toss butternut squash with olive oil and salt.
  3. Pour squash onto baking sheet and roast 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Set aside to cool.
  4. Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined.
  5. Once cool, transfer roasted squash back to large bowl. Add quinoa, kale, walnuts, cranberries and pumpkin seeds. Stir to combine.
  6. Immediately before serving, pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.