Description
Celebrate the bounty of autumn with this hearty, nutrient-dense Vegan Fall Harvest Salad. Combining the earthy, massaged kale with sweet crisp apples, roasted butternut squash, and protein-packed quinoa, this dish is a masterpiece of textures and flavors. Finished with a touch of tart dried cranberries and toasted pecans, it is the perfect meal for busy weekdays or festive gatherings. It is a reliable, wholesome, and delicious plant-based dish that stays fresh even after being dressed.
Ingredients
200g butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1cm cubes
1 teaspoon olive oil
Pinch of flaky sea salt and black pepper
100g quinoa, uncooked
200ml vegetable broth
130g kale, stems removed and chopped
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (for massaging kale)
1 crisp apple, diced
30g dried cranberries
30g pomegranate seeds
30g toasted pecans
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
Roast the squash for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
While roasting, rinse the quinoa and cook in vegetable broth according to package instructions; fluff with a fork and let cool.
Place chopped kale in a large bowl with a teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt; massage with your hands for 2-3 minutes until soft and dark green.
In the bowl with the kale, add the cooled quinoa, roasted squash, diced apple, dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and pecans.
Toss gently to combine and serve immediately or let sit for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Massage the kale thoroughly; this is the secret to getting a tender texture. This salad holds up well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it excellent for meal prep. You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg