Print

Amazing 55-Minute Delicata Squash Kale Salad

Delicata Squash Kale Salad with roasted squash half-moons, radicchio, dates, walnuts, goat cheese, and honey-balsamic dressing
Print Recipe

Delicata Squash Kale Salad combines seasonal ingredients in an approachable roasting and tossing recipe with a carefully controlled texture. The independently written steps preserve the verified quantities, yield, and timing while giving home cooks clear cues for serving the finished dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 bunches lacinato kale
  • 1 small head radicchio, roughly chopped
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 8 dried dates, pitted and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil for the dressing

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Halve the delicata squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and stringy membrane, place cut-side down, and slice into 1/4-inch half-moons.
  2. Spread the squash on a baking sheet. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper; toss and arrange in a single layer. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and golden.
  3. Remove the tough kale stems and slice the leaves into 1/4-inch ribbons. Add them to a large bowl with the roughly chopped radicchio, dates, toasted walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese.
  4. Whisk Dijon mustard, honey, and balsamic vinegar together. Slowly stream in 1/4 cup olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified, then season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add the warm roasted squash to the salad, pour over the dressing, and toss gently until evenly coated. Divide among four bowls and serve immediately or slightly warm.

Notes

  • Cut the squash half-moons to an even 1/4-inch thickness so they caramelize and soften at the same rate.
  • Give the squash enough space on the tray; crowded slices steam and stay pale instead of browning.
  • Toast the walnuts before assembly to improve their aroma and preserve a crisp contrast in the dressed salad.
  • Nutrition information is an estimate calculated per serving and may vary by ingredient brand and portion size.

Nutrition

Keywords: Delicata Squash Kale Salad, Delicata Squash Salad, Kale Salad Recipes, Fall Lunch Ideas, Goat Cheese Salad, Packed Lunch, Squash Recipes, Harvest Salad

Find it online: https://thekitchenfinesse.com/2026/08/09/delicata-squash-kale-salad/