Des

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Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale and Couscous Salad

Every year I like to buy one or two new Halloween books. This year I picked up the cutest book ever: The Ugly Pumpkin. Have you read it yet? I adore it. I always hope that it’s the one that Kellan wants to read at nap or bedtime. It’s about a character who thinks he’s an ugly pumpkin only to find out he’s actually a squash. Seriously, just a cute fun book. Speaking of squash, I did some experimenting with butternut squash the other day and this amazing Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale and Couscous Salad was the result.

This was actually my first time roasting butternut squash. I’ve only ever used it to make soup like this Butternut Squash Soup with Curried Squash Seeds. I seriously feel like I’ve been missing out by waiting so long to try roasting it. It was so nutty and sweet, I found myself just snacking on the pieces before I even had the chance to get them in the salad.

And how did this salad come to be? Alas, I have to mention The Flavor Bible AGAIN. I know, I know, you’d think I have Flavor Bible stock or something but I don’t, I promise. The fact is that I created this salad by going back and forth looking at different ingredients that I had and what the Flavor Bible said paired well with what. I ended up using butternut squash, kale, couscous, red onion and parmesan and tossed the whole thing in a lemon parmesan dressing. And again, the Flavor Bible did not let me down. This salad is scrumptious, guys. It is the perfect side for the upcoming holidays. It’s perfect for a light lunch. And if you want to make it more substantial I bet it’d be great with some chopped chicken.

I was totally planning on trying that the next day for lunch but wouldn’t you know, Ryan and I ate the entire salad in one sitting. Yes, I promise it should be enough to feed 4 as a side dish but Ryan and I could not stop eating it. I know it will be on our table again and again in the coming months. And, believe me when I say you want it on yours too!

Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale and Couscous Salad

A hearty fall salad with kale, butternut squash and couscous tossed in a lemon Parmesan vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale and Couscous Salad Ingredients:

  • 2 cups peeled and diced butternut squash
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup dried Israeli pearl couscous
  • 2 cups finely chopped kale
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • parmesan shavings

Lemon Parmesan Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Whisk together all ingredients for salad dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow to set at room temperature while you prepare the rest of the salad.
  • Toss squash with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until tender.
  • Meanwhile, prepare couscous according to package directions. Allow to cool.
  • Combine butternut squash, kale and couscous together in a bowl. Whisk dressing until it comes together, pour dressing over the top. Toss to coat completely. Top with Parmesan shavings. Serve.

Notes

Note: Can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.
Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: butternut squash, couscous, dressing, salad, Vegetarian

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Deseree
    October 29, 2014 at 9:53 pm

    haha I use mine every day too!

  • Reply
    Danae | Recipe Runner
    October 22, 2014 at 3:09 pm

    This salad looks amazing, all those wonderful flavors together! I’ve been hearing a lot about The Flavor Bible, I’m thinking I better go grab a copy!

  • Reply
    Jordan @ Smile Sandwich
    October 22, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    Now THIS is my kind of salad! Would be great to add some green to the Thanksgiving table.

  • Reply
    Genevieve Yam
    October 22, 2014 at 9:36 am

    Love how hearty this salad is!

  • Reply
    Aggie
    October 22, 2014 at 7:28 am

    I love children’s Halloween books! :) I think I’m going to pick up a new one for my little guy this week. This is my kind of salad. I haven’t used couscous in salad in a long time, this looks delicious!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      October 29, 2014 at 9:53 pm

      Thank you! :)

  • Reply
    Sarah @ Snixy Kitchen
    October 22, 2014 at 1:43 am

    I wish I had kids to read fun stories about pumpkins to! I’m loving the idea of roasting butternut squash in a couscous salad. Yum!

  • Reply
    Sylvie Shirazi
    October 22, 2014 at 1:33 am

    What a nice hearty fall salad!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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