How to Make Winter Kale Salad with Kefir Dressing in 20 Minutes

As the chilly winds of winter blow in, there’s nothing quite like a vibrant Winter Kale Salad with Kefir Dressing to warm your heart and nourish your body! This delightful salad is not only packed with flavor but also brimming with nutrients that are perfect for those of us looking to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up in just 20 minutes! If you’re like me and often find yourself searching for quick family dinners or 30-minute meals, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into this deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Loaded with gut-friendly ingredients, ideal for those following the IBS diet.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the kale and butternut squash.
• Versatile and can be served as a main dish or a side.
• Deliciously creamy dressing that elevates the flavors without being heavy.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Winter Kale Salad with Kefir Dressing, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ¼ cup plain kefir
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 small clove garlic, grated
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground cracked pepper
• 2 cups cubed butternut squash (about .6 lbs)
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper
• 1 bunch curly kale, stems removed and roughly chopped (about 8 packed cups)
• ½ large or 1 small apple, chopped
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Winter Kale Salad:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the kefir, apple cider vinegar, honey, grated garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. On the prepared baking sheet, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
4. In a large bowl, add the chopped kale and pour the dressing over it. Using your hands, massage the dressing into the kale until it wilts and shrinks in size, about 2 minutes.
5. Once the butternut squash is done roasting, add it to the kale along with the chopped apple and pumpkin seeds. Toss everything together well. Season with additional freshly ground cracked pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your salad turns out perfectly:

• Feel free to substitute the butternut squash with sweet potatoes or roasted carrots for a different flavor profile.
• If you’re looking for a little extra crunch, add some toasted nuts or seeds of your choice.
• For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad.
• Make sure to massage the kale well; this helps to break down the fibers and makes it easier to digest, especially for those following Low Fodmap Diet Recipes.

How to Serve

This Winter Kale Salad with Kefir Dressing is incredibly versatile! You can serve it as a main dish or as a side to complement your favorite protein. It pairs beautifully with grilled salmon or roasted chicken. If you’re looking for weeknight dinner ideas, this salad can be a refreshing addition to your table. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch or meal prep it for the week ahead!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this salad in advance, you can store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the kale fresh and crisp. The roasted butternut squash can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep the salad components separate until you’re ready to enjoy it!

For more delicious recipes that support gut health, check out my Foods for Healing the Gut and Gut Health Overnight Oats with Probiotics. And if you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, don’t miss my Healing Breakfast Soup recipe!

Enjoy your vibrant Winter Kale Salad with Kefir Dressing, and remember, healthy eating can be delicious and fun!

Winter Kale Salad with Kefir Dressing

A fresh and hearty winter salad combining kale, roasted butternut squash, and a tangy kefir dressing for a nutritious meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dressing

• 0.25 cup plain kefir
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 small clove garlic, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.125 teaspoon freshly ground cracked pepper

Roasted Butternut Squash

• 2 cups cubed butternut squash about 0.6 lbs
• 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.125 teaspoon pepper

Kale and Add-ins

• 8 cups curly kale, stems removed and roughly chopped about 8 packed cups
• 0.5 large or small apple, chopped
• 0.25 cup pumpkin seeds

Method

 

1. Whisk kefir, vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast until tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Massage dressing into kale until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Add roasted squash, apple, and pumpkin seeds; toss and season with pepper.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon before serving.