I can’t get enough of this Roasted Butternut Squash, Blackberry Harvest salad! It’s a fall-inspired favorite that’s a symphony of flavors, texture, vibrant colors and plenty of yumminess.

It’s made with massaged kale, roasted butternut squash, fresh blackberries, spiced candied pecans and pepitas, blackberries, vegan goat cheese, dried cranberries and one of my favorite homemade dressings.

Elevate your salad experience with this combination that celebrates the essence of autumn on your plate. At the end of the recipe, learn more about all the nutritional benefits of this Roasted Butternut Squash and Blackberry Harvest salad.

Now, let’s get into this plant-based eating. It’s to live for and so are you!

SALAD INGREDIENTS

• 10 oz. kale deboned and chopped

• 1/2 of a butternut squash (24 ounces), cubed

• 1-2 teaspoons olive oil or aquafaba to make oil-free

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1 1/3 cup candied nuts (store bought or homemade, see recipe)

• 12 oz. blackberries

• 1/4 cup vegan goat cheese, or regular

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

• Honey mustard dressing (storebought or homemade, see recipe)

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the kale in a large mixing bowl. Season with a little salt and pepper. Massage into the kale with your hands for 3- 4 minutes. Set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Spread butternut squash on the baking sheet. Add the olive oil or aquafaba, salt and pepper and toss until squash is evenly coated.

4. Roast in the oven for 20- 25 minutes. Let cool before putting the salad together.

Assemble the Salad

Add the kale to a large salad bowl. Layer with the blackberries, goat cheese, cranberries, nuts, and butternut squash. Pour dressing over the salad. Toss and enjoy!

Nutritional benefits of butternut squash

Butternut squash is a nutrient-rich vegetable with various health benefits and incorporating it into your diet adds not only great flavor but also a nutritional boost. It's a good source of:

1. Vitamins: Rich in vitamin A, which is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. It also contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system.

2. Fiber: High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping with weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness.

3. Minerals: Provides minerals such as potassium, important for heart health, and magnesium, which contributes to bone health.

4. Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, helping to combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

5. Low in Calories: Butternut squash is relatively low in calories, making it a nutritious option for those watching their calorie intake.

Nutritional benefits of kale

Kale is my favorite vegetable and a nutritional powerhouse, packed with various health benefits. Incorporating kale into your diet adds a nutritional boost, contributing to overall well-being. Here are some of its key nutritional components:

1. Vitamins: Kale is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health. It's also a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.

2. Minerals: Kale contains minerals such as manganese, which plays a role in bone health and metabolism, and potassium, important for heart health and maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

3. Antioxidants: Loaded with antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

4. Fiber: High in fiber, aiding in digestion, promoting a feeling of fullness, and supporting overall gut health.

5. Low in Calories: Kale is low in calories but dense in nutrients, making it a nutrient-dense choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Nutritional benefits of blackberries

Blackberries are not only sweet and delicious but making them a part of your diet can contribute to your overall nutrient intake. Here are some of the various nutritional benefits they offer:

1. Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C, providing antioxidant support for the immune system. They also contain vitamins like vitamin K, important for blood clotting, and vitamin A, beneficial for vision and skin health.

2. Fiber: High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, aiding in weight management, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

3. Antioxidants: Packed with anthocyanins and other antioxidants, blackberries help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

4. Minerals: Contains minerals such as manganese, supporting bone health and metabolism.

5. Low in Calories: Blackberries are relatively low in calories, making them a nutritious and flavorful addition to a balanced diet.