Autumn Kale Salad with Delicata Squash and Maple Dijon Dressing

Jump to Recipe

This Autumn Kale Salad is the perfect Fall recipe! It features tons of seasonal produce like sweet roasted delicata squash, crunchy apples and pecans. The base of this recipe is kale, cabbage and peppery arugula. Then there are crispy baked chickpeas and pumpkin seeds for major texture. To bring all the Fall flavors together it's all drenched in an herby maple dijon dressing that is both sweet and tangy.

Autumn Kale Salad with arugula, apple, pecans, and chickpeas in a wooden serving bowl.

What is an Autumn Kale Salad?

In case you haven't been paying attention, kale salads have been all the rage for the last few years. Kale is a dark leafy green that some consider a superfood because of its' incredible nutritional profile full of vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. This cruciferous vegetable makes incredible salads. Especially when the leaves are massaged until tender.

An Autumn Kale salad is one that features seasonal produce that is prevalent in the Fall. Think apples, squash, brussels sprouts, cabbage, pears etc. Kale itself is a colder weather vegetable, so it's the perfect base for heartier Fall salads. These Autumn salads also include elements like pumpkin seeds and pecans along with flavors like maple that are beloved in Fall.

Close up view of Autumn Kale salad in a bowl with delicata squash, crispy chickpeas and apples

What is Delicata Squash?

Delicata squash is a seasonal Fall/Winter squash. It varies between yellow and orange in color and has green stripes. This squash is similar to a butternut in flavor but is starchier and more hardy. While butternut breaks down and gets mushy, delicata gets a little crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

You have probably just walked right past this gem because it is nestled in with all of the melee of squashes in the Fall. It is hard to tell which of them are decorations and which are for eating. This stunner of a squash is definitely edible. In fact the entire squash is edible including the skin!

Why you'll love this Autumn Kale Salad

Packed full of Autumn veggies and fruit
Super colorful, just like the Fall foliage
The herb infused, maple dijon blender dressing is drinkably delicious
Simple, straightforward recipe, beginner friendly
Bursting with seasonal flavors like apple, pecan, maple and delicata squash

Delicata Squash Tip

Fall/Winter squash stays fresh for weeks at room temperature on the counter. Despite this, look for signs of spoilage like mushy spots, sliminess, mold or odor.

Autumn Kale Salad Ingredients

This salad is perfect for Fall but can be eaten year round with a few small tweaks. Since delicata squash is only available in the Fall and Winter, at other times of the year you may substitute roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash. Another option would be to use Brussels sprouts or cauliflower.

Kale, Red Cabbage and Arugula: These three cruciferous leafy greens make the base of the salad. The kale is super tender, the cabbage is crunchy and the arugula is peppery.
Chickpeas- These oven crisped chickpeas add texture and protein
Delicata Squash- Sweet, tender and delicious this Fall squash brings the Autumn vibes
Apples- This seasonal fruit is sweet, tart and crunchy
Pecans and Pumpkin Seeds- These seasonal nuts and seeds really bring the crunch!
Mint and Thyme- These herbs infuse the dressing with major flavor and freshness.
Maple Syrup and Dijon-The sweet and tangy flavor makers
Lemon and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt, pepper, smoked paprika

Apple tip: Toss your apples slices in lemon juice to preserve the color longer. The citrus prevents them from browning.

How to Make Autumn Kale Salad

This salad is a really easy recipe to make. I love a good sheet pan recipe like this. By simply throwing ingredients onto a sheet pan and roasting them while chopping the salad ingredients and making the dressing simultaneously saves so much time.

First roast the delicata squash and crisp the chickpeas in the oven
Next use a blender to make the easy maple and dijon dressing
Last combine everything and enjoy

Tips for Making the Best Autumn Kale Salad

Experiment with veggies, add or substitute cauliflower, roasted pumpkin or kabocha squash. Add cucumbers or onions, even roasted beets are a great addition.
Add protein. Cubed baked tofu or crumbled tempeh can roast up easily on the same sheet pan with the squash and chickpeas
Try different dressings. We have a whole collection of delicious vegan dressings here.
Make it more filling by adding grains. Quinoa and wild rice are super compatible with the Autumn flavors.
Be sure to use the freshest produce for salad recipes. Save the wilting veggies for soups.

Overhead view of a large bowl filled with Fall Kale Salad topped with apples, delicata squash chickpeas and pecans

FAQs

Do I need to massage the kale? You always talk about that!

This salad uses dinosaur kale which is quite a bit more tender than curly or Russian kale. For me, massaging Dino kale is not necessary. But you can if you like!

Can I make this salad in advance?

Since this salad includes arugula which wilts quickly, I recommend dressing it right before serving. If you want to make it a day in advance, just wait to dress it. Or alternately, skip the arugula and it's fine to mix with kale and cabbage as those hold up better.

We don't have kale where I live, what should I use?

Use whichever kinds of greens are local to you. Salads are very versatile.

What can I sub for delicata squash?

It's easy to sub your favorite squash for the delicata. Use butternut, kabocha, sugar pumpkin, or sweet potato.

Other Delicious Kale Salad Recipes

Love this recipe? Drop a comment below to share your experience with others!

Craving more? Explore all of my free ebooks or come hang out with over 1 million other plant-based foodies on Instagram!