HHello! I’m Kylee. I’m sharing a new favorite recipe for my first Thanksgiving as a vegetarian. I miss some classic dishes—Brussels sprouts with bacon and sausage stuffing come to mind—but I’m not too bothered about the turkey. This year I’m all about the side dishes, and this kale salad has quickly become a fall favorite.
Over the past few weeks I’ve been testing Thanksgiving and autumn recipes, and this salad stood out. I try to make salads exciting so I actually eat them, and this one is warm, seasonal, and delicious—perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Maple Vinaigrette
Serves 6
Dressing
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well, or whisk together until blended.
Roasted Delicata Squash
2 delicata squash, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced into ½-inch wedges
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss squash wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast until golden and tender, about 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through for even browning.
- Use the squash warm for a softer texture, or let cool slightly for a firmer bite—both work well in the salad.
Salad
6 cups kale, washed, stems removed, and torn into bite-sized pieces (green or red curly kale, or a mix)
¼ cup pepitas (raw, shelled pumpkin seeds)
¼ cup dried cranberries
½ cup crumbled chèvre (goat cheese)
- Optional: Massage the torn kale for 1–2 minutes with a splash of lemon juice or a little olive oil to soften the leaves and reduce bitterness. This step makes the kale more tender and flavorful but can be skipped if you prefer.
- Toss the massaged kale with the maple vinaigrette, then add the roasted delicata squash, pepitas, dried cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, toss gently to combine, and serve.
Happy Thanksgiving, American friends! What are you making this year?
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