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Home » Healthy Salads

Kale Salad With Roasted Delicata

Published: Nov 11, 2020 · Modified: Nov 6, 2021 by Amy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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Kale Salads are on repeat in our house currently. This Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata is pretty typical to ones we are obsessed with. Do you remember this Autumn Kale Salad with Butternut? That was a good one too. I love these salads as they are quick to make, totally healthy, and loaded with goodness.

Kale Salad With Roasted Delicata brussell sprouts and pomegranates

The Components

  • Kale, which I prefer massaged
  • Delicata Squash
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Crispy Bacon Chunks- Omit if you want all veggies
  • Pomegranate Arils
  • Maple Poppyseed Dressing- currently obsessed with this as well

Prepping the Delicata

I know most people leave the skins on their delicata squash. You can certainly do that, but I actually prefer to shave most of it off. There is something I really dislike about the tougher skin compared to the soft flesh of the squash? Maybe I am just weird :). It is easily peeled with a vegetable peeler. Don't worry about getting all of it off, just the bulk of it.

woman peeling a delicata squash with a vegetable peeler on a white cutting board

There are plenty of ways to cut delicata, I will show you how I do mine. I think this is the easiest way to cut up your delicata squash. I cut it in half widthwise, then cut each half again lengthwise. Scoop out your seeds.

woman removing seeds from a delicata squash with a spoon

The squash is not ready to be cut down into sections. I cut mine about ½ inch thick.

woman cutting delicata slices down for roasting with a boning knife

Now, drizzle the squash with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. I would love to always buy my olive oil at small artisan shops, but the reality is, I have a family to feed on a budget, so bulk olive oil at Costco works really well too!

woman pouring olive oil over delicata squash for salad

Roasting the Brussel Sprouts

I like to roast the squash and the brussel sprouts at the same time, to simplify and save on dishes. To prep them, but off the bottom as I am showing below. Peel any outer leaves that are bad and cut in half lengthwise. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper as well. I like to bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for ease of clean up!

woman cutting up brussel sprouts for salad

Now, into the oven, they go! Roast them until they are tender. I also like to change the heat to broil for a little charring on the squash and brussel sprout. This is optional, but I think it looks so pretty.

woman with delicata squash and brussel sprouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bacon

Bacon is a staple around here. We are always adding it wherever we can. If you are using it, cut it into chunks and fry until it is crispy. Daily's thick-cut peppered bacon is a family favorite!

Massaging the Kale

In my opinion, massaged kale is the only way to go. It softens the texture of the kale a bit and knocks down on the bitterness as well. To do this, remove the kale from the stem. It can be cut off, or simply peeled back between your thumb and index finger. Roughly chop your kale. Now, drizzle with a teaspoon or 2 of olive oil, a light sprinkle of salt, and about 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Massage the kale between your hands. Don't overdo this though, it should only take a minute or maybe 2 to massage it!

woman massaging kale on a white cutting board for a kale salad

Plating the Kale Salad and Roasted Delicata

You can either mix all the components of this salad together. Just mix with your hands or a rubber spatula to make sure the delicata isn't broken up. Mix it all together and plate it for serving.

Kale Salad with roasted delicata on a white serving dish with antique fork

Creamy apple cider vinaigrette is a favorite of mine!

More Salad Options

Are salads your thing? I have a lot of other really great ideas. Check these out!:

  • This fall fruit salad is so good and on repeat here!
  • A Sprouted grain autumn salad is also a good option.
  • Another healthy option with this Fruit and Nut Salad.
  • How about a little protein in that salad? This salmon and grain bowl is just delicious!
Kale Salad with roasted delicata on a white serving dish with maple dressing on the side

Side Dishes

Maybe you are looking for other side dishes for your dinner plans.

  • I love this creamy wild rice casserole with mushrooms.
  • How about a pumpkin Risotto with crispy bacon? It is so simple to make in the pressure cooker.

Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata

Amy- A Red Spatula
A wonderful fall salad loaded with healthy kale, roasted delicata, brussel sprouts, pomegranates, and crispy bacon. All delicious!
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Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 delicata squash, cut in ½ inch slices I show in detail with photos how to do this in the post.
  • 2 cups brussel sprouts, cut in half lengthwise
  • 6 cups kale, stem removed and cut into 2-3 inch pieces.
  • 2 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • ½ cup pomegranate arils
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus 1 teaspoon
  • salt and pepper to taste plus ½ teaspoon for the kale
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
    Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
    Place delicata slices in medium-sized bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix to coat the squash. Pout onto half the sheet pan.
    In another bowl, or the same bowl you used for the squash, add the brussel sprouts. Drizzle them with the other tablespoon of olive oil.
    Pour the brussel sprouts onro the other hlaf of the sheet pan.
    Sprinkle all the veggies with a little salt and pepper. Place in the oven.
    While the veggies are cooking, start you bacon. Heat a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the bacon once it is heated. Cook until the bacon is done. I like our's crispy, but cook it how you like it! Place on a paper towel lined plate to cool for a bit.
    The veggies should be tender at this point. Pierce the squash with a fork to test.
    I like to bump the oven to broiler to char the squash just a touch. If you choose to do this too, just make sure you keep an eye on the veggies, they can burn really quickly.
    Remove from oven and allow to cool for a bit while you are getting the kale ready.
    Drizzle your kale with the olive oil, lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gently massage the kale until the is tender and slightly wilted.
    It is time to assemble the salad! You can mix it all togther, which is a great way to do it. Or you can use the kale as a base, then add the rest of the ingredients on top. If you are mixing it all together, just be careful not to break up the squash when you mix.
    Choose a dressing to make or buy one to save time. I attached 2 of my favorites to this post. Drizzle generously.
    Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!
Keyword delicata salad, kale salad, kale salad with delicata
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Hi, I'm Amy! I am a culinary school graduate working to create a balanced approach to healthy recipes. My recipes are ones that the whole family can love.

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