Fall Fruit, Squash, and Kale Salad with Apple Cider Tahini Maple Vinaigrette Dressing

When we were invited to a dinner party at the home of some new friends and they asked us to bring a side, we thought a salad would compliment almost any main dish. I had seen some fall salad recipes on Pinterest with butternut squash and apples like this one from Recipe Runner, and filled in the rest. This salad was the ultimate side and a great way to sneak in fruits and veggies into the meal and it fed 12 people, with some leftovers to spare! It was so easy to layer washed, chopped kale, chopped apples, chopped walnuts, dried cherries (or any of your favorite fruit – dried figs are great too), and roasted, cubed butternut squash. Plus, it was gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian for any and all guests. You could serve nuts on the side or omit for nut-free diners.

Ingredients

Salad

1 red apple
1 package of pre-cubed butternut squash
2 packages of washed, cut kale
3/4 cup of chopped walnuts
1 package of dried cherries (or cranberries, or favorite fruit of your choice – figs work well too for a little less sugar)

Dressing

1/4 cup tahini
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp water
salt and pepper

Instructions

I like to buy the pre-chopped butternut squash since they can be a project to cut up whole. Then, I tossed them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to caramelize (when sugar gets golden brown with heat) in the oven. I roasted it on a tin baking sheet, fitting it all on a single layer (instead of in piles) at 425 for 35 minutes. Separately, I made a dressing with 1/4 cup of tahini (sesame paste), 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar to complement the apples, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of water, salt, and pepper. Then, I shook it up until combined – it was thick, but I think it was necessary to stand up to the hearty salad. We took the dressing separate and tossed it once we arrived at our friends’ house. Have fun mixing up the ingredients and finding your favorite flavor combination!