When it’s even mildly cold outside, all I want is warm and cozy foods so I've created this Warm Kale Salad, the perfect salad dish that still keeps things cozy for winter.
1poundbutternut squashcut into small bite sized pieces
4tablespoonsolive oildivided
⅓cupchopped yellow onion
3clovesgarlicminced
½teaspoonsalt
3teaspoonsmaple syrup
2tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
8cupskalechopped, loosely packed, about 1 large bunch
¼cuppine nuts
3ouncesgoat cheesecrumbled
Instructions
To roast the butternut squash, heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the squash on a large baking sheet and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Roast for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. It is done once fork tender
To make the dressing, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Once hot, add in the onion and saute for about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic, salt and maple syrup and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Transfer the onion mixture to a blender, add in the balsamic vinegar, and blend until mostly smooth.
Add the chopped kale to a large bowl, pour the dressing over top, and massage the dressing into the kale. Massage for a couple of minutes until all of the kale is coated with the dressing and a rich dark green color. Do not skip the massage! It makes the kale much softer and a lot tastier.
Gently toss in the butternut squash, pine nuts, and goat cheese. Serve immediately and ENJOY!