Fall Kale Salad
Kale feels like fall, right?
I have never been a huge kale fan, especially the curly kind. To me, that is a garnish on a plate, that no one ever eats. BUT cameraman went shopping and got me curly kale. We were having a brunch for family over from Poland. It was my first time cooking for them so I didn’t want to go over the top but I also wanted them to be somewhat impressed. I was also 4 weeks postpartum so it was my first entertaining gig. It all felt like a lot but we made it through with this absolutely delicious salad.
I even made it again the following week to have in the fridge for lunches. It felt healthy, filling and cozy on the beginning of chilly days.
Fall Kale Salad (serves 6-8)
🔪1 delicata squash, halved & seeded, sliced into 1/4” half moons
🔪2 TB olive oil
🔪salt and freshly ground black pepper
🔪1 bunch curly kale, ribbed and thinly shaved
🔪1 apple, cut into matchsticks
🔪4 oz ricotta salata, grated
🔪1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
🔪1/4 cup pickled onions (see reel for recipe)
🔪2 cups cooked farro
🔪1/4 cup raisins (soaked in the hottest tap water for 5 minutes)
Mustard Vinaigrette
🔪2 TB whole grain mustard
🔪2 TB honey
🔪1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
🔪2/3 cup olive oil
🔪salt and pepp, to taste
Step 1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Add the squash, drizzle with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Roast for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden and let cool.
Step 2️⃣To a large bowl, add the kale, apple, cheese, pumpkin seeds, pickled onions, farro and drained, plumped raisins.
Step 3️⃣To a medium bowl, whisk together the mustard, honey, and vinegar. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad. Don’t add it all, add it in stages to prevent over dressing. I used just about all of it. Massage the dressing into the salad to break down the fibers of the kale. Check the seasoning and adjust accordingly. Toss in the roasted squash and serve! This salad will last 3-4 days in the fridge so it is a great make ahead for the week! Add any protein you’d like to bulk this up for a dinner!