Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed into ½ inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ tsp (3g) kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp (1g) black pepper
  • 6 cups (150g) lacinato kale, stems removed and finely chopped
  • 1 tsp (5ml) extra virgin olive oil (for kale massage)
  • 2 medium (300g) Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (70g) pomegranate seeds (arils)
  • ½ cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • ⅓ cup (40g) toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove (3g) garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp (3g) kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp (1g) black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the squash in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are mahogany-colored and the center is tender.
  4. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes to prevent the kale from wilting.
  5. Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tsp of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
  6. Using your hands, massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until the leaves look dark green and feel soft.
  7. Add the sliced Honeycrisp apples and pomegranate seeds to the bowl.
  8. Combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a glass jar; shake well to emulsify.
  9. Toss the massaged kale, apples, and pomegranate seeds with the dressing, then fold in the roasted squash, crumbled feta, and toasted pepitas.