Healthy Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Balsamic

Massaged kale salad topped with roasted butternut squash, pecans, and apples paired with a flavorful balsamic dressing. It utilizes savory winter vegetables and rich flavors that are perfect for chilly weather.

Sometimes it is difficult to keep salads interesting and delicious- especially in the cold winter months when all we want is comfort food! To diversify my salads, I love to add roasted vegetables on top.

This Healthy Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash is perfect during the chilly months because the caramelized and roasted butternut is warm and also adds a sweet contrast to the bitter greens.

The balsamic vinegar also adds a warmth and depth to the salad that I am obsessed with!

Feel free to get creative and use whatever other seasonal vegetables you have on this kale salad or add on some of your favorite toppings.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Ingredients for Healthy Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash

• Is an incredibly versatile winter squash that pairs perfectly with kale. I like to remove the peel from the squash by cutting it away and then cube butternut into 1–2-inch pieces. Toss with oil and then roast them.

Balsamic Vinegar

• A good quality balsamic can make all the difference. I often times find great balsamic vinegars through local markets versus large grocery stores.

Kale

• This recipe calls for curly kale, but you can also substitute your favorite variety. Removing the stems from the kale and taking a minute or two to fully massage the dressing into the kale is key to making this recipe so delicious. If you have never prepared kale this way, your life will change forever. It makes such a difference.

Apples

• Add a sweet crunch to this salad that pairs perfectly with the hearty kale and sweet butternut. I usually use honey crisp or pink lady apples, but you can use whatever variety is your favorite.

Goat Cheese

• Is one of my favorite soft cheese to put on a salad. It is tangy and flavorful and enhances all the flavors in this salad. However, you can easily leave the goat cheese off if you are trying to avoid dairy.

How to Make Healthy Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash

1. Preheat the oven to 400 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the cubed butternut squash in salt, garlic, and oil. Roast for 25 minutes or until slightly softened and caramelized.
2. While the butternut squash is cooking, add all the ingredients for the balsamic dressing to a jar and place a lid on top then shake to combine. Set aside.
3. Add the chopped kale to a large bowl and drizzle a few tablespoons of the dressing on the kale. Proceed to massage and kneed the kale with your fingers until the leaves are tender and softened. This usually just takes one or two minutes.
4. Top the massaged kale with pecans, roasted butternut, apples, and goat cheese. Top with desired amount of dressing. Serve immediately.

FAQs and Tips for making Kale and Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Balsamic Dressing.

Does kale salad store well?

• Yes, kale salad can be stored into an airtight container for 2-3 days. It is a great make-ahead salad for lunches. I would just recommend leaving off the vinaigrette until you are ready to eat.

What else could I serve with this butternut kale salad?

• Kale salad can be served by itself or with a protein like steak, chicken or salmon. For a plant-based option you could use beans or lentils. I think this salad pairs great with Turmeric Roasted Chicken with Broccolini.

What if I don’t have any butternut squash?

Sweet potato makes a great substitute for butternut squash. You may just need to roast them for a few more minutes.

Looking for more kale recipes? Check these out.

Vegan Curried Lentil Kale Stew

Healthy Soy-free Chicken Teriyaki Kale Salad

Creamy Southwest Kale and Roasted Potato Salad

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