This roasted delicata squash kale salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a nutritious meal. The sweetness of the roasted squash pairs beautifully with the earthy kale, while the quinoa adds a hearty touch. Topped with crumbled feta and toasted pumpkin seeds, this salad is both satisfying and wholesome.
Delicata squash might not be a staple in every household, but its sweet, nutty flavor makes it worth seeking out. You can find it in the produce section of most supermarkets, especially during the fall. Toasted pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch and can usually be found in the snack or baking aisle.
Ingredients For Roasted Delicata Squash Kale Salad
Delicata squash: A sweet and nutty winter squash that is easy to prepare and adds a unique flavor to the salad.
Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a hearty base for the salad.
Olive oil: Used for roasting the squash and adding a rich, smooth flavor.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish.
Quinoa: A protein-packed grain that adds texture and substance to the salad.
Feta cheese: Crumbled cheese that adds a tangy and creamy element.
Pumpkin seeds: Toasted seeds that provide a crunchy contrast to the other textures.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the delicata squash, make sure to slice it into even half-moons to ensure uniform cooking. To enhance the flavor, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg before roasting. For the kale, massage it with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt to soften the leaves and reduce bitterness. This will make the salad more enjoyable and easier to eat.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
delicata squash - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweetness and texture when roasted, making it a good alternative.
kale - Substitute with spinach: Spinach provides a similar nutrient profile and can be used raw or lightly wilted in salads.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar flavor profile and high smoke point, making it suitable for roasting vegetables.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.
cooked quinoa - Substitute with cooked farro: Farro has a similar chewy texture and nutty flavor, making it a good grain alternative.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, suitable for salads.
toasted pumpkin seeds - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a good alternative.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Salad
How to Store / Freeze This Salad
- To store your roasted delicata squash kale salad, first ensure it has cooled to room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can make the salad soggy.
- Transfer the salad to an airtight container. This helps maintain the freshness of the kale and other ingredients.
- For optimal freshness, store the salad in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- If you plan to store the salad for longer, consider keeping the roasted delicata squash separate from the rest of the ingredients. This prevents the squash from becoming too soft.
- When ready to serve, you can reheat the delicata squash in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its texture before mixing it back into the salad.
- For freezing, place the cooled salad in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. The salad can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the salad in the refrigerator overnight. Note that the texture of the kale and feta cheese may change slightly after freezing.
- To refresh the salad, consider adding a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This can help revive the flavors and textures.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Roasted Delicata Squash Kale Salad evenly on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the delicata squash is warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispness of the kale and the texture of the quinoa.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Add the salad and stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through. This method is quick and helps keep the feta cheese slightly melty and the pumpkin seeds crunchy.
Microwave Method: Place the salad in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This method is the fastest but may slightly soften the kale and pumpkin seeds.
Steaming Method: Place the salad in a heatproof bowl. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes. This gentle reheating method preserves the nutrients and keeps the kale vibrant.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the salad in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method keeps the delicata squash crispy and the pumpkin seeds crunchy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to roast the delicata squash until tender.
Baking sheet: Holds the sliced delicata squash while roasting in the oven.
Knife: Used to slice the delicata squash into half-moons and chop the kale.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the squash and chopping the kale.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the chopped kale, cooked quinoa, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds, and roasted delicata squash.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Tongs: Helps to toss the salad ingredients together evenly.
Spatula: Useful for transferring the roasted squash from the baking sheet to the mixing bowl.
Serving bowl: Used to serve the salad immediately or store it for later.
How to Save Time on Making This Salad
Pre-roast the squash: Roast the delicata squash in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly assemble the salad when needed.
Use pre-washed kale: Save time by buying pre-washed and pre-chopped kale from the store.
Cook quinoa in bulk: Prepare a large batch of quinoa and freeze portions for future use. Just thaw and add to your salad.
Toast seeds ahead: Toast pumpkin seeds in advance and store them in an airtight container.
Batch prep ingredients: Chop all ingredients and store them separately in the fridge for quick assembly.
Roasted Delicata Squash Kale Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 units Delicata squash sliced into half-moons
- 4 cups Kale chopped
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Quinoa cooked
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese crumbled
- 0.25 cup Pumpkin seeds toasted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place sliced delicata squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes or until tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped kale, cooked quinoa, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Add the roasted delicata squash to the bowl and toss everything together.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Nutritional Value
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