This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Do you want to wow your guests this holiday season? Try this Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Miso Dressing!

A finished bowl of Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Miso Dressing with a serving spoon.


 

You may not think a salad would bring the wow-factor to the table but I can assure you that this Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Miso Dressing has what it takes! In fact, it might just be the talk of the table at your gathering.

A close up shot of a finished serving dish of Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Miso Dressing

This delicious Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Miso Dressing is filled with roasted delicata squash, dried cranberries, and pomegranate seeds, then tossed in the most outrageously delicious miso dressing. I mean, I might as well just pour this dressing in a martini glass and start sipping away it’s so dang good! 

Ingredients:

  • Delicata Squash
  • Avocado Oil
  • Kosher Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Cayenne
  • Garlic
  • White Miso Paste
  • Coconut Aminos or sub soy sauce if preferred
  • Rice Vinegar
  • Honey
  • Green Kale
  • Dried Cranberries
  • Pomegranate Seeds
A close up shot of a finished serving dish of Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Miso Dressing

Step-by-step:

step one: prep the oven

Preheat oven to 400℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

step two: prep the squash

Place sliced delicata squash on the baking sheet and drizzle with the avocado oil, kosher salt, black pepper and cayenne. Toss to coat evenly. Spread the squash into a single layer, making sure that they do not touch (this will allow them to cook evenly and crisp on the edges rather than steam).

step three: roast the squash

Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and using tongs, flip each of the squash over on the other side and place back in the oven and continue cooking until they are cook through and slightly crisp on the edges, about 10-15 more minutes. When the squash is done cooking, remove from oven.

The thinly sliced delicata squash for the Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Miso Dressing on a baking tray.

step four: make the dressing

Meanwhile, In a food processor or blender, combine all of the miso dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. Set aside.

The miso-dressing for the Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Miso Dressing in a tan bowl with a silver spoon.

step five: assemble the salad

In a large bowl, combine the shredded kale, pomegranate seeds, and dried cranberries. Pour the miso dressing over the salad and toss for about 3 minutes, working the dressing into the kale to allow it to soften and slightly marinade. Add the roasted squash and give it one last gentle toss.

step six: serve!

Serve right away and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs:

will the dressing get too thick if I make it ahead of time?

This is a great dressing to make ahead of time and keep in the fridge for a couple of days! If it does thicken up, you can thin it out with a teaspoon or so of warm water.

Could I add cheese to this salad?

Sure! Goat cheese would be fantastic, or some crumbled feta!

Can I make the squash ahead of time?

If you want to, you sure can! This salad would taste great with room temp squash, though I do personally prefer it warm straight from the oven!

I can’t wait to hear what you think of this amazing salad! Let me know in the comments after you try it!

Looking for more show-stopping salads? Try these!

Detox Kale Salad

Mexican-Inspired Chopped Salad

Crunchy Thai-Inspired Quinoa Salad

Rainbow Chickpea Salad

A top-down view of the finished Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Miso Dressing on a table with pomegranate seeds and a glass barely visible.
5 from 6 votes

Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Miso Dressing

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients 

For the Delicata Squash

  • 1 large delicata squash scooped out and sliced into 1/2 inch semi-circles
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

For the Miso Dressing

  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon white miso paste
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Salad

  • 8 cups shredded green kale or 1 bunch
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place sliced delicata squash on the baking sheet and drizzle with the avocado oil, kosher salt, black pepper and cayenne. Toss to coat evenly. Spread the squash into a single layer, making sure that they do not touch (this will allow them to cook evenly and crisp on the edges rather than steam).
  • Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and using tongs, flip each of the squash over on the other side and place back in the oven and continue cooking until they are cook through and slightly crisp on the edges, about 10-15 more minutes.
  • Meanwhile, In a food processor or blender, combine all of the miso dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. Set aside.
  • When the squash is done cooking, remove from oven.
  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded kale, pomegranate seeds, and dried cranberries. Pour the miso dressing over the salad and toss for about 3 minutes, working the dressing into the kale to allow it to soften and slightly marinade.
  • Add the roasted squash and give it one last gentle toss.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Sodium: 751mg, Potassium: 412mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 3866IU, Vitamin C: 37mg, Calcium: 99mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 220

Food Photography and Styling by Eat Love Eats

 



Welcome! I’m Alex.

I’m a food lover sharing healthy, simple, delicious, recipes from my kitchen to yours. Here you’ll find lots of Whole30, lots of healthy, and a little indulgence here and there because…it’s all about balance y’all!


Similar recipes

5 from 6 votes

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




19 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This salad is amazing! Made it for the first time at Thanksgiving and I’ve made it 3 more times since then. Highly recommend the goat cheese on top!

  2. 5 stars
    So so good! Made for Friendsgiving last weekend and it was a hit! I’ll be using this dressing for other salads too