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Indulge in the flavors of the season with our Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad (Keto)—a delightful addition to your fall and winter menu and a perfect complement to festive gatherings. This keto-friendly salad features a harmonious blend of roasted butternut squash, baby kale, toasted walnuts, and creamy goat (or feta) cheese. Drizzled with a zesty orange-infused dressing, each bite is a symphony of sweet and savory goodness. Elevate your holiday menu with this vibrant, low-carb sensation that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
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🍂✨ The Butternut Obsession Continues: Keto Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad! 🥗🎉
Hey, fabulous foodies! 🌟 Can we talk about the star of my kitchen this season? Butternut squash. I've been obsessed and for all the right reasons! 🍠✨ Whether it's weaving its magic in sweet or savory creations, shaking up my low-carb veggie routine, or simply because it's a winner in my husband's book—this amazing Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad was born!
And let me tell you, when I say it's amazing, I'm not throwing that word around lightly. Picture this: tender baby kale, perfectly roasted butternut squash cubes, creamy goat cheese, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts, all coming together in a symphony of flavors. 🥬🧀🍠
But here's the kicker—the Spiced Orange Dressing! 🍊✨ I call it the nectar of the Gods, and trust me, it lives up to the hype. It ties everything together in a burst of sweet and spiced perfection. It's so good; it's practically a culinary love affair on your plate! 💖
This salad isn't just a side dish; it's a showstopper. Add your favorite protein, and voila, it becomes the star of the meal! 🌟 Planning your holiday menu? Don't even think twice—this Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad is the guest-favorite waiting to happen. Your guests will be showering you with thanks! 🙌🎁
Obsessed with butternut squash or not, this salad is a game-changer. So, go ahead, embrace the squash obsession, dive into this culinary delight, and let the holiday feasting begin! 🎄🥗✨
Stay tuned for more delicious adventures and tag me in your kitchen escapades using the hashtag #BobbisKozyKitchen ! Cheers to amazing salads and a fabulous holiday season! 🍽️ 📸✨
In This Post
🥘Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad (Keto) Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad (Keto).
- Baby Kale - you can use regular kale and chop and massage it but I like to make things a little easier by using baby kale.
- Walnuts - if you cannot find walnuts, or are not a fan, you can use pecans.
- Goat Cheese - I love the creaminess and tang of goat cheese in this salad but feta works well too.
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
🔪Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad (Keto) Instructions
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad (Keto). You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Place the butternut squash cubes into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the keto maple syrup, then sprinkle with the brown sweetener mixture.
To make the salad, place the baby kale in a large bowl. Add the onion and drizzle with the dressing.
Toass well to combine.
Add the roasted butternut squash, goat (or feta) cheese, and toasted walnuts, and serve.
Helpful Hint: 💡: When peeling and dicing the butternut squash, microwave it for about 2 minutes before cutting. This slight softening makes the squash easier to handle, ensuring a smoother prep process.
Substitutions
- Baby Kale - instead of baby kale you can use regular kale, chopped and massaged, or if you do not like kale try baby spinach or arugala.
- Goat cheese - you can use feta cheese instead of goar cheese or, to make this recipe vegan, grab a vegan-friendly substitute.
- Walnuts - if you would prefer pecans they work well with this recipe too.
📖Variations
- Protein Boost - Toss in grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or pan-seared salmon for a heartier, protein-packed main dish.
- Dried Fruit Twist - Add handful of sugar-free dried cranberries.
- Spice It Up - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle kick.
🍽Equipment
This is the equipment you will need to make Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad (Keto).
- baking sheet
- small mixing bowl
- measuring cups and spoons
- large mixing bowl
- salad tongs
- pint mason jars
- large serving platter
Storage
- Refrigeration:
- Transfer the remaining salad to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate promptly to keep it fresh.
- Consume within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.
- Dressing Separation:
- If possible, store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving each portion.
- Crispy Component Preservation:
- If the salad includes any crispy elements (like nuts), store them separately and add them right before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Avoid Freezing:
- Due to the nature of the ingredients, freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture of the vegetables and overall salad quality.
💭Top tip
To streamline your salad prep, consider roasting the butternut squash a day ahead. This not only saves time on the day of serving but also allows the flavors to intensify, making your Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad even more delicious!
FAQ about Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad (Keto)
Absolutely! You can roast the butternut squash, prepare the dressing, and even toss the kale ahead of time. However, for the best texture, assemble the full salad closer to serving to keep the kale fresh and avoid sogginess.
Absolutely! Using pre-cut butternut squash can be a major time-saver. Many grocery stores offer fresh or frozen pre-cut squash that can work well in this recipe.
Yes, feel free to experiment with other greens like spinach, arugula, or mixed lettuce for a different flavor and texture profile.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Leftover Turkey Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
- Italian Grinder Salad
- Asian Keto Rainbow Noodle Salad
- Low-Carb Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Low Carb Shrimp Louie Salad
- Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon and Tomato Vinaigrette
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad (Keto):
- The Perfect Roast Turkey
- Pork Crown Roast
- Rib Roast with Garlic Herb Butter
- Roast Chicken
- Whole Roast Fish
- Roast Duck (Keto, Paleo, GFDF, AIP, Whole30)
Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
For the salad
- 1/4 cup Besti Brown Sweetener
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pink salt
- 1 small butternut squash 2 1/2 to 3 lbs, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice
- 2 tbsp Wholesome Yum Keto Maple Syrup
- 5 ounces baby kale
- 1 cup chopped walnuts toasted
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- 4 ounces goat cheese or feta cheese, crumbles
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 orange zested and juiced
- 1 1/2 tbsp Wholesome Yum Keto Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon pink salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a small bowl bowl whisk together the brown sweetener, chili powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Place the butternut squash cubes into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the keto maple syrup, then sprinkle with the brown sweetener mixture.
- Toss to make sure the squash is well coated and then spread the squash out on the baking sheet in an even layer.
- Roast in the oven for 35-45 minutes, or until soft and slightly browned on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Place the ingredients for the dressing in a mason jar and shake to combine (or whisk together in a bowl).
- To arrange the salad, place the baby kale in a large bowl.
- Add the onion and drizzle with the dressing then toss to coat.
- Add the roasted butternut squash, goat (or feta) cheese, and toasted walnuts, place on a platter and serve.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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