I almost feel like this Winter Salad can speak for itself because it is so darn beautiful and the colors are so magnificent!  With kale, butternut squash, pecans, and pomegranate seeds, this salad is a combination of all things that make winter wonderful.

I first made this winter salad recipe last month when I went to visit my sweet friend Chloe from Boxwood Avenue.  I wanted to bring a salad that had hearty ingredients but it almost didn’t happen.

If you know anything about Chloe, then you know that she is the owner of a feisty little goat named, Butternut.  She is so FUN!  I sometimes watch Chloe’s Instagram feed just because I know that Chloe and her goats will brighten my day.

But as I was putting together this winter salad together, I stopped in my tracks!  Did I dare take butternut squash to a ranch that’s mascot is BUTTERNUT {in my opinion anyway}?  I panicked for a moment and realized just how silly that was and took the squash anyway.  Sorry Butternut!  Thankfully she loved it.

There are a few elements to this winter salad recipe, but let me tell you something…they are TOTALLY worth it. 

How To Make This Winter Salad Recipe

1. First of all, you need to roast butternut squash. Put it onto a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees and let cool.
2. To assemble the salad, start by adding kale into a bowl.

3. Top that with cooked farro. The texture that it adds to the salad is everything!
4. Then add the roasted butternut squash.  See the awesome color it got in the oven?  So yummy!

5. Now for some crunch, with pecans.  Almonds would totally work here too.
6. The dressing is really where you can make this salad your own.  I like to use a Balsamic Vinaigrette but anything will work.  I have even used a Cesar dressing and liked the results.

Toss it together at this point, get a helping and lets add the final toppings: a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few pomegranate seeds complete the salad.  It is almost looks too good to eat…almost!

The flavors are so wonderful together. You can add a little cooked chicken for a complete meal but it is so great served as a side with any meal.

I might not love the snow that winter brings but if it means I can eat this salad then bring it on.  It is healthy, gorgeous and perfect for a cool day.  I know you will love it too.

Expert Tips

• I bought a whole squash but you can buy it already cubed in the refrigerated and frozen section.
• I prefer to use the baby kale because it is super tender but regular kale can be used too.
• If you don’t have access to kale {or you don’t like it} then you can use spinach or another green of choice.
• You can now find quick cooking farro at the grocery store which is such a time saver.  For a long time farro was very time consuming to make.

Do you love delicious side dishes?  Try these recipes…

Salads

Fiesta Wedge Salad

Side Dishes

Frozen Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Side Dishes

Homemade Mac & Cheese

Side Dishes

Sweet & Yukon Gold Potato Au Gratin Skillet