Savor the flavors of fall with this kale salad featuring roasted acorn squash, crispy chickpeas, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds all tossed in a creamy maple tahini dressing.
Preheat the oven to 400℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut off the top and bottom of the acorn squash. Then, cut it in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Cut the squash into 1/2 inch thick slices and add to a large bowl along with the chickpeas, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat, then arrange on the baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes, turning halfway through.
Make the dressing
Make the dressing by whisking together the tahini, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and water (add more water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency).
Assemble the salad
Add the chopped kale to a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice and massage with your hands for 30-60 seconds. The purpose of massaging the kale is to soften it and reduce bitterness. An easy step that makes a huge difference!
Assemble the salad by layering the kale, roasted acorn squash, and crispy chickpeas. Sprinkle with feta, dried cranberries, and pepitas. Toss the salad with the maple tahini dressing and serve!
Notes
If the acorn squash is too hard to cut, poke a few holes in it and place it in the microwave for 3 minutes to soften.