Delicata Squash & Baby Kale Salad
Oct 25, 2024, Updated Mar 20, 2025
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This recipe was originally posted in 2018. It has been updated with new techniques and photography.
Delicata is one of the most versatile of all fall and winter squash. It’s easy to clean, and the edible, thin skin makes it even easier to cook in a hurry. While I am not the biggest fan of kale, the baby kale in this salad is a perfect pairing. Red cabbage adds some crunch, as do the toasted walnuts. It’s all finished off with a jar-shaken Maple Tahini Dressing that’s so easy to make.
This salad is great anytime throughout fall or winter, and it makes a delicious vegetarian side for a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving menu.
Delicata Squash & Baby Kale Salad
This recipe was originally posted in 2018. It has been updated with new techniques and photography.
Ingredients
- 1 delicata squash
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups baby kale, packed
- 1 cup thin-sliced red cabbage
- ½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ cup tahini
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch black pepper
- Pinch garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cut off ends of delicata squash and scoop out seeds with a spoon. Slice squash into ½-inch rounds. Add squash to a bowl with 2 tablespoons avocado oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss until well combined and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Squash should be slightly crispy and just starting to caramelize. Note: You can turn the oven to broil for about 2 minutes at the end to amplify the caramelization.
- Meanwhile, make the Maple Tahini Dressing by adding zest and juice of a lemon, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ¼ cup tahini, ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, pinch of black pepper and pinch of garlic powder to a 1-pint jar. Secure lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, until dressing comes together.
- Add 2 cups baby kale and 1 cup thin-sliced red cabbage to a serving platter. Evenly distribute roasted delicate squash. Sprinkle on ½ cup toasted walnuts and ¼ cup dried cranberries.
- Use a spoon to drizzle Maple Tahini Dressing over the salad.
Notes
You will likely have extra dressing. Store that in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for use on roasted veggies or other salads.
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