Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables
- 1 package brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 butternut squash, cubed
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- 2 medium beets (or 4 small), diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for roasting)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Salad Base
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 apple, diced (your choice of variety)
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 1 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for massaging kale)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Prepare roasted vegetables: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line one or two baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep beets: Trim the ends of the beets, scrub thoroughly to remove dirt, then dice into small, bite-sized pieces for even roasting.
- Mix vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved brussels sprouts, cubed butternut squash, diced beets, sliced red onion, and diced carrot.
- Season vegetables: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with salt and pepper to the vegetable mixture. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Roast vegetables: Spread the coated vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking tray(s). Roast in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until all vegetables are tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway if needed.
- Massage kale: Place the chopped kale in a medium bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and gently massage using your hands for about 2 minutes until the kale softens and becomes tender.
- Assemble salad base: Transfer the massaged kale to a large salad bowl and add spinach, diced apple, pecans, dried cranberries, pomegranate arils, and crumbled goat cheese. Mix gently to combine.
- Add roasted vegetables: Allow the roasted vegetables to cool slightly before adding them to the salad bowl to preserve their texture and temperature balance.
- Make dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, maple syrup, orange juice, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting consistency if necessary.
- Toss salad: Drizzle the prepared tahini dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to evenly coat all ingredients with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve: Serve the Fall Harvest Salad immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and balanced flavors at their best.
Notes
- Beets can be wrapped in foil and roasted separately if preferred to avoid flavor mixing during roasting.
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta or omit for a dairy-free option.
- For a vegan version, replace goat cheese with a plant-based cheese or toasted nuts.
- Massage the kale thoroughly to reduce bitterness and increase tenderness.
- Make the dressing ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Roast vegetables in a single layer to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian