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    Home » Recipes

    Roasted Acorn Squash Salad

    Published Dec 6, 2019 · Modified Jun 30, 2022 by Renee · Leave a Comment · This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe

    A beautiful kale salad topped with roasted acorn squash, pecans, pomegranate seeds, and a sweet and tangy champagne vinaigrette.

    Overhead view of completed salad on a white plate.

    You're holiday spread needs to include this gorgeous Acorn Squash Kale salad! It's a perfect side dish for a roasted Turkey, Chicken, Prime Rib, or any meat. And if you need a vegetarian option it's hearty enough to be a main meal as well.

    Jump to:
    • How to Roast Acorn Squash
    • How to Make the Kale Salad
    • Roasted Acorn Squash Kale Salad

    How to Roast Acorn Squash

    Start by washing the squash really well. If you plan on eating the skin, then I recommend using an organic acorn squash.

    Acorn squash cut in half.

    Slice the acorn squash in half and remove the seeds. Using an ice cream scoop makes this easy.

    You can either discard the seeds or save them to roast.

    An ice cream scoop being used to scoop out the seeds inside the acorn squash.

    Once the seeds have been remove, place the squash cut side down on a cutting board and cut off the ends. Then cut 1 inch slices.

    Acorn squash on a baking sheet with spices and oil.

    Place on an oiled baking sheet drizzle the tops with oil and season, with salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coconut or brown sugar. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until tender.

    How to Make the Kale Salad

    The most important tip for any kale salad...Massage the Kale! This will make the kale leaves tender and take away some bitterness. Get in there and start massaging!

    Massaging kale leaves

    I love using kale because it can hold up and be 'dressed' ahead of time and not get all mushy. After the kale has softened from it's massage go ahead and pour all the dressing over it.

    Dressing in a measuring cup being poured into kale leaves.

    How to Make the Dressing

    The Dressing consists of 3 ingredients, Trader Joes' Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar, Olive Oil, Maple Syrup, and a pinch of salt. If you don't have the Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar, then mix fresh orange juice with apple cider or champagne vinegar.

    Roasted acorn squash halves on a baking sheet

    Now you can check on the roasted acorn squash. You want it be tender enough to stick a fork in it.

    Assembling the Salad

    Plate the dressed kale on the bottom, then place the roasted acorn squash, either with or without the skin.

    Kale Salad on a white plate topped with roasted acorn squash.

    Then top with roasted pecans and fresh pomegranate seeds. To remove the pomegranate seeds, cut a square at the top of the stem and remove, then cut 4 slits down the sides of the pomegranate to make 4 segments, and remove the seeds.

    Spoon holding pomegranate seeds over salad.

    I just absolutely love how gorgeous this salad looks!

    For more delicious Salads, check these out:

    Kale Salad with Peanut Dressing

    Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

    Feature image of roasted acorn squash salad topped with pomegranate seeds.

    Roasted Acorn Squash Kale Salad

    Renee
    A beautiful kale salad topped with roasted acorn squash, pecans, pomegranate seeds, and a sweet and tangy champagne vinaigrette.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Servings 6

    Equipment

    • Oven and Sheet Pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 oz Chopped Kale
    • 1 Acorn Squash Halved, sliced, and seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown or coconut sugar, and salt.
    • 1 Pomegranate Seeds removed
    • Chopped Pecans or Walnuts

    Dressing

    • ¼ Cup Trader Joe's Orange Champagne Vinegar
    • ¼ Cup Olive or Avocado Oil
    • 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
    • Pinch of Salt

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat Oven to 400 degrees
    • Cut Acorn squash in half, remove seeds, and slice into 1 in pieces. Season with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown or coconut sugar, and salt. Roast in a 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until fork tender. (Skin is edible once cooked, but you can also remove it after cooking.)
    • Massage Chopped Kale leaves until they soften.
    • Combine ingredients for dressing, whisk it well, and pour dressing over kale. Toss to combine and add extra salt if needed.
    • Place roasted Acorn squash on top of kale salad and top with toasted pecans and pomegranate seeds.

    Notes

    Leftover kale salad with dressing can be stored for 1 day in the refrigerator. The roasted acorn squash can be eaten cold or reheated then back on the salad.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 179kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 35mgPotassium: 569mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 5928IUVitamin C: 66mgCalcium: 177mgIron: 2mg

    Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and depends on ingredients and amounts used. Thai Caliente makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Keyword Acorn Squash Kale Salad
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