Autumn Kale and Quinoa Salad with Spiralized Apples

Autumn Kale and Quinoa Salad with Spiralized Apples

This recipe is the first dish I made in my new office! Seriously, I think...

Autumn Kale and Quinoa Salad with Spiralized Apples

This recipe is the first dish I made in my new office!

Seriously, I think I may like my office more than my own apartment. I love the coloring of the kitchen and how cozy it is.

It’s taking every ounce of my being to not spend 90% of the day shopping for decor! And you know I’m in the market for a cactus….

But really, it’s starting to really feel like an office.

The kitchen is almost fully functional, I still have a few things coming in the mail this week, so yesterday, I took some things from my apartment to use to cook today’s recipe.

Autumn Kale and Quinoa Salad with Spiralized Apples

Other than that, I’m still waiting for the dining table and the couch to arrive. It’ll be somewhat tight, but so worth it – I can’t wait to throw my first dinner party!

I need some floor lamps, wall decor, a welcome console table, and a blogger mirror. So, send your cute recommendations my way!

Today’s recipe was inspired by the crisp weather — and a new candle I bought for the office. I bundled up with my sweater, lit my “Autumn Harvest” candle and started craving everything fall – roasted butternut squash, the curliest of kales, and apple-picking.

Autumn Kale and Quinoa Salad with Spiralized Apples

Hence: today’s Autumn Salad! The spiralized apples are beautiful in this salad, add a nice sweetness that complements the honey in the dressing, and the goat cheese gives it the finishing touch with some velvety love.

Oh, and may I say — look at that Vitamin A and C count! Make this salad and you may just fight of that winter cold!

Watch our video to learn how to spiralize an apple using the Inspiralizer and subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch more videos:

 

Nutritional Information & Recipe

Weight Watchers SmartPoints*: 13 points

*These points were calculated using the official Weight Watchers SmartPoints calculator. We are in no way affiliated with Weight Watchers, we are providing this information based on popular demand.

Autumn Kale and Quinoa Salad with Spiralized Apples

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1.5 cups cubed butternut squash
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1.5 cups water + more as needed
  • 6 cups chopped kale
  • 2 apples I like honey crisp!
  • 1/4 cup pecans to garnish
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • For the dressing:
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1.5 teaspoons honey
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the butternut squash. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Let bake for 25 minutes or until fork tender.
  • While butternut squash cooks, cook the quinoa. Place the quinoa and water in a saucepot, bring to a boil, and then reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is cooked through, adding water if needed.
  • A few minutes before the squash is ready, prepare the dressing: place all ingredients into the bottom of a large mixing bowl and whisk together. Add in the kale, massage into the kale with fingertips for 15 seconds and then set aside.
  • Spiralize the apple with Blade C and add to the large bowl (with the dressed kale) along with the cooked butternut squash and quinoa. Toss well to combine and divide into plates. Top with goat cheese and pecans.

Autumn Kale & Quinoa Salad with Spiralized Apples

with love, Ali

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Recipe Rating




comments

  • Can't wait to try this one!! Although we sure don't have Fall weather here in South Florida I can still make Fall recipes, right? :)
  • This looks beautiful, and delicious! Do you have any tips on spiralizing apples and avoiding the core and seeds? Do you just pick those out after spiralizing?
    • They get caught in the blades, so not much picking out is necessary, but yes, pick them out!
    • Couldn't you cure the apple first?
      • Core. This was to read "core".
  • Perfect for meal prep lunches! I know what i'll be having next week! While at it i may even spiralize half the butternut squash too! Just for fun! Your salads are the bomb! (Oh how i feel old saying that. Lol)
    • That would be fun too! Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
  • Can this be made ahead of time? I'm excited to try this!!
  • Congrats. What's a blogger mirror?
  • Where can I buy those salad bowls? Love them. How far is your office from the apartment?
  • YUM! I love it (at least everything but the goat cheese, but that's easy to leave out)! I was thinking about making some almond or cashew cheese to use instead of the goat cheese... Can you suggest something to add to make it a complete meal (aka. dinner)? I wondered if you could recommend some beans to add. How about Orca or Garbanzo beans? Cannellini beans are mighty tasty too or maybe some lentils? Anyway, how about removing the apple core before spiraling? Would that work? Thx Ali, I do so enjoy your recipes and am VERY happy for you and your new digs! Marcia PS: If you are looking for a cactus, look at the one called a "Teddy Bear." Be sure to get some food for whichever cactus you decide on & the proper soil for good drainage.
  • Super Delicious!!!! Can't get enough of it. Thank you. Loved it. Do you ever list nutrition information for your recipes? I am tracking my calories. Thank you.
    • Hi Myra, we do not but if you enter our ingredients into a tracker it should be simple to find out!