Total Time: 45 mins
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1/2 medium red onion, cut into thin wedges
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 bunch curly kale (4 to 6 leaves), stemmed, leaves torn½ small radicchio, thinly sliced
- 6 Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup candied pecans, or toasted pecans
- 1/3 cup pomegranate arils, or dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan or pecorino cheese
Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the squash on one side of the baking sheet and the onion wedges on the other. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and spread evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 35 minutes, or until tender and golden brown around the edges. Remove the onions before the squash if needed. Pull apart the onion layers.
- Place the kale in a large bowl and drizzle with some of the dressing. Use your hands to massage the leaves until they become soft and wilted and reduce in the bowl by about half.
- Add the radicchio, Brussels sprouts, roasted squash, onions, and remaining dressing. Toss well, then top with the pecans, pomegranates, and cheese. Gently toss. Season to taste and serve.
Why We Recommend This Recipe:
1. Rich in Fiber
- Butternut squash, kale, Brussels sprouts, radicchio, and pomegranate arils are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Fiber aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps manage cholesterol and blood pressure.
2. Antioxidant Power
- The vegetables and fruits in this recipe provide a wide range of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Butternut squash is high in beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A).
- Kale, Brussels sprouts, and radicchio contain compounds that support immune function and heart health.
- Pomegranate arils are rich in antioxidants that may help reduce blood pressure.
3. Heart-Healthy Fats
- Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels and support heart health.
- Pecans add healthy fats and are rich in antioxidants and minerals like magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients
- The dressing contains apple cider vinegar, garlic, and Dijon mustard, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion.
5. Vitamin and Mineral Boost
Brussels sprouts and kale are also rich in minerals like potassium and magnesium, essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
This dish is packed with vitamins A, C, and K from the leafy greens and butternut squash, supporting immunity, bone health, and skin health.
Recipe by Love and Lemons