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Winter Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Brighten up your cold-weather menu with this Winter Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette—a colorful, nourishing blend that’s anything but boring. This easy recipe features roasted butternut squash, earthy beets, creamy avocado, crisp apple slices, and crunchy candied pecans layered over a bed of kale and arugula. All of it comes together with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette that’s silky and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for quick lunch ideas, a vibrant side dish for dinner, or healthy snack inspiration, this salad brings seasonal ingredients together in the most irresistible way. It’s fresh, hearty, and full of texture—everything a winter salad should be.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups kale, stems removed and torn into pieces
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1 cup roasted butternut squash (cubed)
  • 1 cup cooked beets (cubed or sliced)
  • 1 red apple, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • ⅓ cup candied pecans
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries

For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the squash and beets:
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes or until tender and golden. Roast beets separately if raw, then peel and cube.

  2. Prepare the vinaigrette:
    In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.

  3. Massage the kale:
    Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage for 1–2 minutes until soft and deep green.

  4. Assemble the salad:
    In a large bowl, combine kale, arugula, roasted squash, beets, apple slices, avocado, pecans, and cranberries.

  5. Dress and serve:
    Drizzle with maple Dijon vinaigrette and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

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Find it online: https://ladysavor.com/winter-salad-with-maple-dijon-vinaigrette/