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Looking for a vibrant, make-ahead meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients? This Kale Apple Salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy! With roasted butternut squash, quinoa, fresh apples, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, this salad is both hearty and refreshing. Prepare everything in advance, toss it together when you’re ready, and enjoy a wholesome dish that’s perfect for meal prep, lunch, or as a holiday side!

Kale Apple Salad

Ingredients for Salad:

• 2 10 oz bags of frozen butternut squash
• ½ tablespoon olive or avocado oil
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups chopped kale leaves
• Two small apples, pears, or figs sliced or dice
• 1 small red onion diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp nuts or seeds per salad

Ingredients for Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tbsp apple cider vinegarette
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 3 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves minced

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Roast the butternut squash. Toss with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast until tender., about 20 minutes.
2. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
3. Make dressing. Put all the ingredients in a jar and shake until combined.
4. Massage the kale. Kale can be tough and bitter. Massage it with half of the dressing to bring out the sweetness and make it more tender. Add the kale to a salad bowl with 1/2 of the dressing and toss until it’s evenly coated.
5. Assemble – Add the quinoa, butternut squash, and apples into the bowl with the kale, and toss to combine.
6. Divide salad between 4 bowls and add toppings. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy!

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Hi I’m Teresa!

I’m a mom to three, a wife and a physician assistant. I also have a degree in Nutritional Sciences and I love sharing all things life with you! I am passionate about empowering you through education, sharing all my fave products and items that have made life better and creating content to give you value!