This vibrant kale salad is full of fall flavors and textures, and my favorite of all squashes - the DELICATA. It’s one of the few salads I’ve found that actually makes for good leftovers!
I had a lot to write about this kale salad (what can I say, writing about kale really brings out the words in me) but in lieu of what happened in Paris this weekend, I’ve been feeling particularly nostalgic to my semester when I studied abroad in Paris. It was this time five years ago that I was living in the 16th arondissement, drinking wine on the metro, smoking cigarettes, eating pain aux raisins for snacks, and exploring the city of light on my own. My several months in Paris were transformative, and I returned home an adult. My heart goes out to this city that I feel like I owe so much to, and that still enchants me to this day when I see a photo or think about just how perfect the light hits the air.
I think this was taken on my old school blackberry phone!
Studying abroad was the first time that I spent so much time…alone. My cell phone didn’t work there, so I couldn’t just call up my mom when I was walking to and from places. Same with Google maps - couldn’t use those! I lived with a host family that spoke no English (and also who wanted nothing to do with me!). To meet up with American friends, we had to make plans - I couldn’t just walk to the dining hall or the library and see a bunch of people that I knew. I spent a lot of time just in my own head, just getting to know me! I had to figure out stuff on my own.
Paris was also the first time that I started to learn a lot about my body and nutrition. I gained a lot of weight when I studied abroad, which at the time, I wish I had just embraced and enjoyed every pastry and glass of wine! Instead, I went for extremely long runs and sometimes worked out twice a day, triggering my first experience with binge/restricting. All of my Parisian friends were so skinny and would eat carbs after carbs! I would ask them incredulously, “how is it possible that you look this way and eat what you do?!” They would all respond “well are food doesn’t have preservatives like American food”.
While at the time it made no sense to me, I now would not be surprised if that plays a role in American obesity - maybe our bodies don’t process the food the same way that the French do since many of us have grown up on diets of processed foods. In France, farmer’s markets are cheaper than super markets. They also have the whole concept of portion control down…
I know the French would appreciate this salad’s simplicity, and the fact that I’ve served it next to a delicately cooked piece of white fish. Sending lots of (virtual) love over to that city and everything it taught me!
- 1 large bunch lacinato kale
- 1 medium sized delicata squash
- ¼ cup pecans (I used Trader Joe's sweet and spicy)
- 1 small apple
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil spray
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F
- Slice the delicata squash lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Then slice width-wise into ½ inch pieces
- Coat the delicata squash with a little olive oil spray, salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. I flipped once through
- Remove the ribs from the lacinato kale, and slice into thin pieces
- Remove the core of the apple, and then slice the remaining parts into thin pieces
- In a small bowl, whisk the money, olive oil, and red wine vinegar
- In a large salad bowl, place the kale and pour the dressing over. With clean hands, massage the dressing into the kale
- Add the pecans and the apples
- Remove the delicata squash from the oven, and add to the salad and toss
- Serve immediate, at room temperature, or store in the fridge for tasty leftovers all week!
If you like this, you’ll love: Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pine Nuts
Thanks for stopping by! 
LOVE delicata squash! This sounds like a great combination and looks delicious.
Michelle @ Unbound Wellness recently posted…Nutrient Dense Avocado and Beef Liver Pate
Delicata squash is my all time favorite squash!!
Dani recently posted…Delicata Squash Salad with Kale, Pecans, and Apples (gluten free)
This looks delicious! Paris is also one of my favorite cities and i love the simplicity of this recipe!
Thank you!! It is delicious for sure!!
Dani recently posted…Delicata Squash Salad with Kale, Pecans, and Apples (gluten free)
This is a great way to honor Paris in a personal way!
I need more delicata squash in my life but for some reason the only plae I can find it is Trader Joe’s! It’s so yummy though!
Kate recently posted…Pear & Chia Baked Oatmeal
Yes - TJ’s has a great supply of all different kinds of fall squashes! I’ve gotten mine at farmer’s markets too.
This salad looks delicious! I’ve actually never tried delicata squash but I’ve seen it pop up a few times in the blogosphere recently.
And I really enjoyed reading about your study experience in Paris! My heart goes out to the city and definitely my prayers <3
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…My First CrossFit Experience
I only tried it this season and I pretty much have it every week! It is so sweet.
I’m all about the delicata squash right now. Great addition to many salads and great source of Vitamins A and C. Thanks for sharing - I will have to make this easy salad soon!
Sarah @ bucketlisttummy recently posted…The Difference Between Pre and Post Workout Nutrition
Let me know if you try it! 🙂
Paris is such a special place. It’s crazy how we can find ourselves when we are forced to spend time alone. I’ve actually gone though experiences like that a couple times in my life now.
This salad looks like a dream!!! So yummy and beautiful.
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…Key West in Fall
Same! I wouldn’t actively choose to be alone often, but this was an important time for me.
What a great combo in this salad! I love that it’s all so seasonal! I’m always looking for fun ways to use winter squashes. 🙂
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel recently posted…Pumpkin and Spinach Lasagna Rolls
I ate squash for every dinner a few weeks ago, totally by accident!
The tragedy had me thinking a lot about my time in Paris too. It’s such a wonderful place. As sad as that day was, those men that committed those cruel acts will never be able to take the spirit away from that city.
It sounds like it played a very important part in your coming of age but I’m shocked that your host family was so offish towards you. My husband has worked with several French researchers and they were always so warm and welcoming when we went to visit.
As far as the diet goes, they definitely have things figured out compared to us. Our food (amongst other things) is loaded with so many chemicals that are altering our hormones, causing all sorts of weight issues and diseases. The best thing we can do is cook at home as much as possible with fresh ingredients so salads like this are the perfect cure!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted…Vegan “Cream” of Mushroom Soup
I also love that their dairy is full fat. So delicious!
This sounds delicious and perfect for fall! I haven’t tried delicate squash, is it similar to acorn squash?
Patricia @Sweet and Strong recently posted…Fall Health and Fitness Trends
It looks really different than acorn - it’s long like a zucchini, but much wider. It’s yellow and green striped. It is SO sweet and delicious. And you can eat the skins!
This salad looks amazing. I love delicata squash on salads. They totally bulk it up. Also, pecans are always a win in my book!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) recently posted…Green Acorn Squash Smoothie
Squash adds a great texture to salads!!
I rocked a Blackberry for the longest time, and even vowed to stay with it rather than iPhone…and now, three or four iPhones later..hehe
I LOVE delicata squash! I roasted it this week 😉
Jess @hellotofit recently posted…4 Ways to Have a Balanced Thanksgiving
Haha! I switched from the Blackberry to the iPhone, but now I’m an Android user all the way.
I love this salad 🙂 I have made it at least half a dozen times. I even took it to Thanksgiving, it was a hit! Thank you for sharing it with us!
I am so glad to hear it! Makes my day!