Butternut Squash, Quinoa & Kale Salad with Warm Goat Cheese and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
The robust and earthy taste of the reduced apple cider makes for a flavorful dressing made only from a few ingredients.
Servings 4
Calories 1044kcal
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- ¾ cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon diced shallot
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper, as needed
For the quinoa and kale salad:
- 3 cups diced butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper, as needed
- ½ cup white quinoa
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 4 cups chopped kale
For the warm goat cheese:
- 8 ounce log goat cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
For the dressing:
- In a small saucepan over medium bring the apple cider to a boil and reduce until about 2 tablespoons remain.
- Let cool then in a medium mixing bowl whisk together the reduced cider with the cider vinegar, shallot, mustard, and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
For the quinoa and kale salad:
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Toss the squash in the olive oil and spread in a single layer on an aluminum-foil lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast until the squash is tender and lightly golden brown, about 25 minutes.
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat then add the quinoa and chicken stock. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until all the stock has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
- In a large salad bowl toss together the squash, quinoa, and kale and set aside.
For the warm goat cheese:
- Cut the goat cheese into ¼-inch medallions. Add the milk to one shallow bowl and the breadcrumbs to another shallow bowl.
- Working one at a time, dip the goat cheese in the milk then press gently into the breadcrumbs to coat on both sides. Continue with the remaining goat cheese medallions and set aside.
- Heat a medium sauté pan over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and heat through. Working a few at a time, fry the goat cheese until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes.
To serve:
- Add the dressing to the salad and toss until evenly coated. Serve with the goat cheese on top.
Notes
Toast the quinoa before boiling to enhance its nutty flavor and reduce bitterness while keeping the cooked grains fluffy and distinct.
Nutrition
Calories: 1044kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 86g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 35g | Monounsaturated Fat: 27g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 575mg | Potassium: 987mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 18574IU | Vitamin C: 86mg | Calcium: 420mg | Iron: 5mg
