This Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad is a perfect blend of warm, cozy fall flavors that can be enjoyed as a hearty main dish or a satisfying side. With tender, caramelized squash, crisp kale, and crunchy chickpeas, it’s tossed in a creamy roasted garlic tahini dressing that ties everything together beautifully. This salad brings a mix of textures and flavors that make it irresistible for any time of year, especially during the fall season.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the butternut squash cubes and chickpeas with olive oil and a pinch of salt, spreading them out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
1 butternut squash, 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Place unpeeled garlic cloves in a small piece of parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil, and fold into a sealed packet. Add to the baking sheet with the squash and chickpeas. Roast everything for 40-45 minutes, until the squash is tender and caramelized, and the garlic is soft.
1 small head garlic, 3 tablespoons olive oil
While the squash is roasting, whisk together tahini, water, olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and sea salt. Once the garlic is done, peel and mash it, adding it to the dressing with any remaining garlic-infused oil.
¼ cup creamy tahini, ¼ cup filtered water, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
In a large bowl, add chopped kale and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Massage the kale for a few minutes until the leaves soften.
1 bunch kale, 3 tablespoons olive oil
Arrange the kale on a large serving platter. Add the roasted squash, chickpeas, apple slices, sunflower seeds, and pomegranate arils. Drizzle the salad with the roasted garlic tahini dressing and toss lightly.
¼ cup sunflower seeds, 1 medium apple or pear, ½ cup pomegranate arils
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Notes
Keep peel on garlic to lock in the juices while roasting. Also, don't surpass 45 minutes with the garlic cloves or they will overcook and harden.
Store for up to 3 days in the fridge, with or without the dressing. Apples will brown in fridge.
Roasted garlic and tahini dressing can be made ahead and will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.