Our October 2023 salad of the month is Kale, Butternut Squash, and Pomegranate Salad. I selected it as a colorful nod to fall.

Butternut squash is versatile and one of my favorites. It’s great in soups, casseroles, and salads.

Certain studies indicate that butternut squash has anti-inflammatory properties and may help ward off diabetes by modulating insulin levels. It may also help combat macular degeneration, improve heart health and immune response, and prevent cancer cell growth.

Here is the link for recipe I used, https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/recipes/kale-butternut-squash-and-pomegranate-salad/

I like this recipe because it has simple ingredients, and it’s easy to prepare. Instead of peeling and cutting the squash into small squares before roasting it, I decided to cut it in half and leave the skin on. The skin softens as the squash cooks, so it’s easier to cut. It’s edible and a good source of nutrients. Less waste, better nutrition, and easier. If you absolutely do not want to eat the skin, it can be easily peeled off after roasting.

Instead of shallots, I used green onions in the dressing and sprinkled some on top of the salad for extra flavor. I also used champagne vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar. In addition to kale, I added mixed greens for more color. The greens worked well with the lemon juice and salt to “wilt” the kale.

You can serve this salad as a meal or side dish paired with chicken or pork.

Our November salad will be Hearty Farro Salad.

The Twelve Months of Salads - 2023

January – Celery Salad with Apples

February - Strawberry Avocado Salad

March – Spring Pea, Asparagus and Mint Salad

April - Spring Salad with Edamame, Cucumbers. Snow Peas and Tofu Croutons

May – Southwestern Bean Salad

June – Salad Niçoise

July –  Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette

August – Italian Pasta Salad

September – Chicken Garden Salad with ranch dressing

October – Kale, Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad

November – Hearty Farro Salad

December – Vegan Soba Noodle Salad