Perfect Fall Salad

This salad features some of my all time favorite fall ingredients (looking at you delicata squash and pomegranate) and is seriously an explosion of flavors and textures. It’s easy to throw together and would be amazing on a Thanksgiving table!

Serves 5-6 as a side.

INGREDIENTS

For the Salad:

• 1 large delicata squash

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• Kosher salt

• 1 bunch lacinato kale

• 2 heaping cups brussels sprouts

• Arils from 1 large pomegranate

• 1 large honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced

• 1 large asian pear, thinly sliced

• 1/3 cup toasted pistachios, roughly chopped

• 2 oz goat cheese, broken up into small pieces

For the dressing:

• 1 Tbsp dijon mustard

• 1/4 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• Kosher Salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

1. Roast the delicata squash:

   1. Pre heat the oven to 425 degrees F.

   2. Cut the delicata squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, then slice the squash into 1/4 inch thick half moons.

   3. Toss the squash slices with the olive oil and a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a sheet tray (may need to use 2 sheet trays to avoid crowding).

   4. Bake about 15-20 min, flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and golden brown on the outside. Set aside to cool while you make your dressing.

2. Make the dressing:

   1. Whisk together the dijon and balsamic vinegar in bowl or glass pyrex.

   2. While whisking (or I like to use a milk frother to get a super emulsified dressing), slowly stream in the olive oil. Stir in kosher salt and pepper, to taste.

3. Assemble the salad:

   1. Slice the kale into very thin ribbons. Using your hands, massage the kale to help break it down and make it super tender.

   2. Use a knife or a mandolin to very thinly shave your brussels sprouts. Add to the salad bowl along with the shredded kale and a pinch of kosher salt to season.

   3. Add the pomegranate arils, thinly sliced apple + asian pear, pistachios, cooled delicata squash and goat cheese to the bowl.

   4. Add in your dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated. I like to start out with a smaller amount of dressing then add more to taste. Enjoy!