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Harvest Caesar Salad

Delicious Harvest Caesar Salad with Butternut Squash Crunch

This Harvest Caesar Salad captures autumn's essence with vibrant colors and cozy flavors, featuring butternut squash, kale, and crunchy frico croutons for a nutritious meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 bunch Kale consider using Swiss chard for a milder taste
  • 1 small, ~2 lb. Butternut Squash feel free to substitute with pumpkin if desired
  • 0.5 oz. Parmesan Cheese (grated) Pecorino Romano works well too if you want a stronger taste
  • 1 oz. Parmesan Cheese (shredded for croutons) try mixing in some herbs for an aromatic twist
For the Dressing
  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise swap in Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative
  • 1 Tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice use apple cider vinegar as a suitable alternative
  • 0.5 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce omit it for a vegan version
  • 3 pieces Anchovy Fillets skip these for a vegan-friendly recipe
  • 1 clove Garlic finely chopped
  • 3 Tbsp. Olive Oil essential for both dressing and roasting
For the Frico Croutons
  • 1 oz. Parmesan Cheese (shredded)

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • baking sheet
  • whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Harvest Caesar Salad
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 finely chopped garlic clove until smooth. Add ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and 3 anchovy fillets (or skip them for a vegan option), along with salt and pepper to taste. Ensure the dressing is well-combined and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the Harvest Caesar Salad.
  2. Take a large bunch of kale and remove the tough stems. Tear the leaves into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with a little lemon juice and a pinch of salt, then massage the kale for about 3-5 minutes, until it softens and turns a vibrant green.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube a small butternut squash (about 2 lbs). Toss the cubes in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread the cubes out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes.
  4. On another baking sheet, spread 1 ounce of shredded Parmesan cheese in small mounds. Bake alongside the squash for about 5-7 minutes until melted and lightly golden. Let cool, then break into croutons.
  5. In a large serving bowl, combine the massaged kale with the prepared dressing, tossing well to ensure all the leaves are coated. Add the roasted butternut squash on top, followed by the crispy frico croutons.
  6. Serve the Harvest Caesar Salad immediately after assembling to maintain crunchiness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1saladCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 6gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Enjoy this salad as a hearty side or a satisfying main dish that celebrates the flavors of autumn.

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