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–+ servings
Ultra close-up macro of crispy chopped autumn harvest salad with glossy apple cider dressing, roasted butternut squash, and candied pecans

Crispy Autumn Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Glaze

A vibrant celebration of fall harvest textures! Tender massaged Tuscan kale and crunchy shaved Brussels sprouts tossed with sweet roasted butternut squash, Honeycrisp apples, candied pecans, tart cranberries, and tangy goat cheese, tied together with a warm apple cider Dijon vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 generous lunch bowls
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Crisp Harvest Salad Base
  • 5 cups Tuscan lacinato kale stemmed and thinly sliced
  • 2.5 cups Brussels sprouts finely shaved
  • 2 cups butternut squash roasted until caramelized and tender
  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple thinly sliced
  • 0.66 cup candied pecans toasted and chopped
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 4 oz goat cheese crumbled
Warm Apple Cider Dijon Vinaigrette
  • 0.33 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar with the mother
  • 2 tbsp pure apple cider unfiltered
  • 1.5 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

Prepare the Salad Components
  1. Roast the butternut squash: Toss diced squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-22 minutes until golden, tender, and caramelized on the edges. Let cool slightly to room temperature.
  2. Massage the hearty greens: In a large salad serving bowl, add the shredded Tuscan kale and shaved Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a tiny pinch of salt. Using your clean hands, gently massage the greens for 60 to 90 seconds until they turn a deeper glossy emerald green and soften significantly in volume.
  3. Whisk the warm cider vinaigrette: In a small saucepan over low heat (or in a glass jar), combine extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure apple cider, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until smooth and emulsified. Warm gently for 2 minutes (do not boil) to deepen the sweet-tangy aroma.
  4. Assemble and toss: Pour two-thirds of the warm dressing over the massaged greens and toss well to coat. Layer in the roasted butternut squash cubes, thin Honeycrisp apple slices, toasted candied pecans, and dried cranberries.
  5. Finish and garnish: Gently fold the salad so the warm dressing coats every crisp topping. Scatter creamy crumbled goat cheese on top and drizzle with remaining warm cider vinaigrette. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread!

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 8gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5.5gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 340mgPotassium: 590mgFiber: 6.5gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 185IUVitamin C: 110mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 14mg

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