Name: Warm Kale Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb butternut squash; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 0.333 cup yellow onion; 3 cloves garlic; 0.5 tsp salt; 3 teaspoons maple syrup; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 8 cups kale; 0.25 cup pine nuts; 3 ounces goat cheese

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Warm Kale Salad

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Ingredients

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Instructions

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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!

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Massage Your Kale First 💪
Massage the raw kale with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil for 2-3 minutes before cooking to break down its tough fibers and make it more tender and receptive to the warm dressing.
Toast Pine Nuts Separately 🔆
Lightly toast your pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden, then set aside to add at the very end for maximum crunch and nutty flavor that won't get lost in the warm salad.
Caramelize Your Butternut Squash 🎃
Cut squash into thin, uniform pieces and roast at 425°F until the edges are deeply caramelized and crispy, which adds complexity and sweetness that complements the balsamic-maple dressing perfectly.
Create an Emulsified Warm Dressing 🍶
Slowly whisk your olive oil into the balsamic-maple-garlic mixture while gently warming it over low heat to create a silky, cohesive dressing that coats the kale evenly without separating.
Plate and Dress Immediately ⏱️
Toss the warm kale with warm dressing and plate within 1-2 minutes of combining to prevent wilting while maintaining that perfect balance of tender greens and crispy elements like the goat cheese and pine nuts.