Kale and Squash Salad With Almond-Butter Vinaigrette

The perfect seasonal salad for autumn potlucks or family dinners!

cooking.nytimes

Ingredients

-1½ pounds winter squash, such as butternut or delicata, halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced crosswise ½ inch thick (no need to peel)
-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
-2 crisp eating apples such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady
-1 shallot, thinly sliced
-1 teaspoon lemon zest plus ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
-1 large bunch kale or collard greens, ribs removed and leaves sliced about ¼ inch thick
-¼ cup almond butter
-1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-½ teaspoon black pepper or red-pepper flakes, plus more to taste

Directions

Step 1: Place a rack in the bottom third of the oven and heat the oven to 425 degrees. On a sheet pan, toss the squash with the olive oil and a generous sprinkling of salt. Spread into an even layer and roast on the bottom rack until tender and browned underneath, 15 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool slightly.

Step 2: Meanwhile, core the apples and slice them ¼ inch thick. In a large bowl, toss together the apples, shallot and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add the kale leaves, season generously with salt, then toss. (There is no need to squeeze, as the leaves will soften with time.)

Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the lemon zest and remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice with the almond butter, Dijon mustard and black pepper. Stir in enough water until it’s pourable (about ¼ cup, depending on the almond butter; the mixture will thicken at first, but when enough water is added, it will loosen). Season the dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 4: When the squash is cool enough to handle, add it to the kale mixture. Drizzle with most of the dressing. Toss until coated, adding more dressing as needed. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper. (To make ahead, refrigerate the dressing and salad separately for up to 3 days. Adjust thickness and flavor of dressing with salt, pepper and lemon juice, then toss.)

Step 5: Enjoy!