Winter Harvest Salad
Stability Nutrition
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Winter Harvest Salad
December 4, 2024 | Delicious Dinners, Healthy Recipes, Power Bowls, Satisfying SaladsWhat’s the secret to making winter salads cozy and nourishing? This recipe has the answer!
Hello Stability Nutrition Friends,
Happy Wednesday!
When the temperature drops, it’s easy to reach for heavier meals and let salads fall off the menu. Winter Salads however, can be hearty, satisfying, and comforting too! By combining roasted vegetables, seasonal fruit and heartier greens, you can create a salad that feels warm, wholesome, nourishing and cozy!
This Winter Harvest Salad brings together the best of seasonal produce. It's packed with hearty greens and topped with tender, caramelized roasted butternut squash and layers of crisp, sweet Honeycrisp apples. Ruby red pomegranate arils add bursts of sweetness and color, while candied pecans provide the perfect crunchy contrast. Finished with a rich balsamic vinaigrette, this is the kind of meal that's special enough for entertaining, yet simple enough to enjoy any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
Perfect for the Season: Featuring roasted butternut squash, crisp apple, hearty greens and pomegranate arils, this salad captures the essence of winter produce.
Packed with Nutrients: Kale and pomegranate are rich in antioxidants, while butternut squash provides vitamins A and C to support immune health.
Versatile and Balanced: Whether you’re serving it as a festive side dish or adding protein for a satisfying main, this salad works for every occasion.
Customizable: This salad is easy to make your own! Switch up the greens, try sweet potatoes instead of squash, or add your favorite protein for a personal touch.
Winter Harvest Salad
Roasted butternut squash, crisp greens, sweet apple, and tangy pomegranate come together in this hearty winter salad, perfectly balanced with a rich balsamic dressing.
Author: Elisa | Stability Nutrition
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
For the Butternut Squash:
4 cups small diced butternut squash (about 1 small squash)
1 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
For the Salad:
2 cups baby kale
2 cups arugula or your favorite salad greens
1 Honeycrisp apple, cored and sliced thin (no need to peel)
1/2 cup pomegranate arils
1/3 cup candied pecans, or regular pecans or walnuts
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
Optional Protein:
Grilled chicken
Roasted salmon
Crispy tofu
Roasted chickpeas
Instructions
For the squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss your butternut cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on a parchment lined baking sheet so they are not touching each other. Roast for 20 minutes, then stir and flip them over to ensure even cooking. Roast until they are tender and golden, about 35-40 minutes total. Remove from the oven and let cool.
While the squash is roasting, make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Set aside.
For the salad: Add the kale and arugula to a large bowl and toss to combine. Slice your honeycrisp apple and de-seed your pomegranate if you have the whole fruit. Measure your candied pecans and chop if desired. If you're adding protein make sure that is cooked and ready to go.
Assemble: Place the mixed greens on a large platter or in 4 separate salad bowls. Top with the roasted butternut squash, sliced apple, candied pecans, and pomegranate arils on top. Add protein if desired. Evenly drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Enjoy!
Variations
Substitute roasted sweet potatoes or roasted delicata squash instead of the butternut squash.
Swap walnuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the candied pecans.
Try this with sliced pear instead of apple for a different seasonal twist.
This Winter Harvest Salad showcases the beauty of seasonal ingredients, combining vibrant colors with healthy, hearty flavors. It's versatile enough for any occasion and easy to adapt to your own tastes. If you're inspired to try it, I'd love to see how you make it your own!
If you give it a try, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with #stabilitynutrition. I can’t wait to see your creations!
In good health and happiness,
Elisa
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