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ByJune Albertson-DickPublishedUpdated
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I almost feel like this salad can speak for itself because it is so darn beautiful! The colors are so magnificent! In my opinion, this salad is a combination of all things that make winter wonderful. This is A Cozy Winter Salad Recipe Your Family Will Love and you will be making again and again. Keep scrolling to see how all of the elements come together.
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I first made this winter salad recipe last month when I went to visit my sweet friend Chloe from Boxwood Avenue. I wanted to bring a salad that had hearty ingredients but it almost didn’t happen.
If you know anything about Chloe, then you know that she is the owner of a feisty little goat named, Butternut. She is so FUN! I sometimes watch Chloe’s Instagram feed just because I know that Chloe and her goats will brighten my day.
But as I was putting together this winter salad together, I stopped in my tracks! Did I dare take butternut squash to a ranch that’s mascot is BUTTERNUT {in my opinion anyway}? I panicked for a moment and realized just how silly that was and took the squash anyway. Sorry Butternut! Thankfully she loved it.
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There are a few elements to this winter salad recipe, but let me tell you something…they are TOTALLY worth it. First of all, you need to roast butternut squash.
I bought a whole squash but you can buy it already cubed in the refrigerated and frozen section. Put it onto a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees and let cool.
To assemble the salad, start by adding kale into a bowl. I prefer to use the baby kale because it is super tender but regular kale can be used too.
If you don’t have access to kale {or you don’t like it} then you can use spinach or another green of choice.
Top that with cooked farro. You can now find quick cooking farro at the grocery store which is such a time saver. For a long time farro was very time consuming to make.
The texture that it adds to the salad is everything!
Then add the roasted butternut squash. See the awesome color it got in the oven? So yummy!
Now for some crunch, with pecans. Almonds would totally work here too.
The dressing is really where you can make this salad your own. I like to use a Balsamic Vinaigrette but anything will work. I have even used a Cesar dressing and liked the results.
Toss it together at this point, get a helping and lets add the final toppings. The best part in my opinion.
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few pomegranate seeds complete the salad. It is almost looks too good to eat…almost!!
The flavors are so wonderful together. You can add a little cooked chicken for a complete meal but it is so great served as a side with any meal.
I might not love the snow that winter brings but if it means I can eat this salad then bring it on. It is healthy, gorgeous and perfect for a cool day. I know you will love it too.
Do you love delicious side dishes? Try these recipes…
Fiesta Wedge Salad
Frozen Vegetable Casserole Recipe
Broccoli Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Mexican Street Corn Skillet
Roasted Melting Potatoes
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A Cozy Winter Salad Recipe Your Family will Love
A delicious combination of kale, butternut squash, farro, pecans, Parm and pomegranate seeds are topped with your favorite dressing for the perfect winter salad.
In a large bowl add baby kale, top with cooked farro, roasted butternut squash*** and pecans. Add dressing and toss salad until coated.
To serve**: Plate 1/4 of prepared salad and top with 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds. Enjoy.
**If you are going to serve this family style then you can add the Parmesan cheese and pomegranate seeds directly to the salad and serve.
***To roast butternut squash: Take diced butternut squash and put onto a baking sheet. Drizzle squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, toss to coat. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely.
Pop in some protein- add lean meats, chicken, fish such as salmon or mackerel, lentils and beans, chickpeas, feta, halloumi, falafels or egg. Chuck in some carbs- examples that warm up nicely include new potatoes, sweet potato, quinoa, couscous, spelt, rice or pasta.
The difference between summer and winter salads comes down to what produce is produced this time of year. You'll notice grocery stores full of things like figs, pomegranates, apples squashes, Brussels sprouts, arugula and beets, as opposed to summer produce like tomatoes, zucchini, berries and corn.
More Veggies: You can include winter vegetables beyond the usual leafy greens. And there are plenty of options from which to choose: Roasted vegetables are terrific in a salad. Cook double amounts of vegetables like winter squash, onions, Brussels sprouts and mushrooms, and use the extra in a salad another day.
When adding leafy greens to salad, think beyond lettuces, arugula, and kale to fresh herbs, like parsley, basil, cilantro, mint, and tarragon. A small handful of chopped herbs adds another dimension of flavor and gives salad a quick pop of freshness and makes it more interesting to eat.
When it comes to leafy greens, darker is better. They have the most nutrients. Case in point: Kale and spinach have over 10 times more immune-boosting vitamins A and C than iceberg lettuce.
With this in mind, raw salads are best in the spring/summer while cooked vegetables are better support for the fall and winter. This doesn't mean that you should never eat a salad in the winter but it is best that you are moderate about raw salads and you can make 'salad' of (mostly) previously cooked vegetables.
Regardless of whatever your diet is, a nutritious winter salad can offer your body the essential nutrients and immunity boost it needs, all while enriching every bite with taste. Some people think that salad is a summer food but know it's not as it is equally important to incorporate during the winter season.
Common loose-leaf lettuces are red and green oakleaf. Salad greens comprise a larger group of leafy vegetables, such as arugula, watercress and chicories, which also make great additions to your salad bowl. Toss up a mixture of lettuces and salad greens for a more interesting texture and flavor.
Try veggies with hummus, salad dressing or yogurt-based dips. Add diced veggies such as mushrooms, onions, peppers or carrots to meatloaf or meatballs. Add vegetables as a topping on your pizza. Make a quick lettuce-free salad by adding salad dressing to matchstick carrots or sliced cucumbers.
Regardless of whatever your diet is, a nutritious winter salad can offer your body the essential nutrients and immunity boost it needs, all while enriching every bite with taste. Some people think that salad is a summer food but know it's not as it is equally important to incorporate during the winter season.
With the right winter tweaks, a bowl of greens can be just as hearty and cozy as a hearty stew, helping to ensure that you get your full fill of veggies year-round and with pleasure. Here are some of their best tips to help you fall back in love with salad this winter.
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