Oregon Territory

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Hearty Northwest Kale Salad

Hearty Northwest Kale Salad
Recipe Date:
February 28, 2018
Serving Size:
1
Cook Time:
01:00:00
Difficulty:
Easy
Measurements:
Imperial (US)
A delightful and hearty accompaniment to any Pacific Northwest dish. This salad is a balance between the structured cruciferous kale leaves and soft, creamy butternut squash that pairs so well with Pacific Northwest Salmon. This salad is ideal for making ahead for company (or tomorrow's lunch). The kabocha is traded out with the seasons for things like fresh apricots, kohlrabi, or patty pan squash -- slices of apple or persimmon are also good when you don't feel like waiting for the squash to roast. Unless you wind up with especially burly kale, there's no need to massage the dressing into this salad, unlike others with raw kale.
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Cubed Squash: Kabocha, Butternut or other winter squash
  • EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt & Freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 2 1/2 cups Lacinato or dinosaur kale - ribs removed and finely sliced
  • 1/4 cup Almonds, cut roughly in half
  • 1/4 cup Cabot Clothbound cheddar (or any good, aged cheddar) - crumbled or finely chopped
  • Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Pecorino or other hard cheese, for shaving (optional)
Directions

1. 

Heat oven to 425° F. Toss squash cubes in just enough olive oil to coat, and season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet (lined with parchment for easier cleanup), leaving space between the cubes. Roast in the oven until tender and caramelized, about 40 minutes, tossing with a spatula every 10-15 minutes. Toast the almonds on a baking sheet in the same oven until they start to smell nutty, tossing once, about 10 minutes. Let cool.

2.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the kale with the almonds, cheddar and squash. Season to taste with lemon juice and olive oil (approximately 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons olive oil). Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3.

Divide salad between two plates or shallow bowls. Garnish with shaved pecorino cheese, if desired, and serve.