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Ingredients
Adem Recipes Daily App
Discover more than 1700+ delicious recipes you can cook at home. Easy, step-by-step instructions with new recipes added every day.
Coming Soon
Equipment
Method
- This recipe is simple yet incredibly flavorful. Let’s go step-by-step.
Step 1: Cook the Farro
- If your farro isn’t cooked yet, prepare it according to package instructions — usually one part farro to three parts water or broth.
- Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 25–30 minutes, until tender but still slightly chewy.
- Drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
- Why farro? It’s nutty, hearty, and adds satisfying texture — the perfect base for a fall salad.
Step 2: Roast the Delicata Squash
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the delicata squash into ½-inch half-moon pieces (no need to peel — the skin becomes soft when roasted).
- Place the slices on the baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Sprinkle with chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss to coat and spread evenly on the sheet.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- The roasted squash brings sweet, smoky notes that contrast beautifully with the bright pomegranate and tangy dressing.
Step 3: Prepare the Kale
- Place the chopped kale in a large salad bowl.
- Add a drizzle (about 1 teaspoon) of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Using your hands, massage the kale for 1–2 minutes until it softens, darkens in color, and becomes tender.
- Massaging kale helps break down its fibers and makes it more enjoyable to eat — no toughness, just silky, flavorful greens.
Step 4: Make the Maple Apple Cider Dressing
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together:
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 minced garlic clove
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- Whisk until smooth and emulsified. The dressing should taste slightly tangy, lightly sweet, and aromatic from the garlic.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
- Now for the best part — bringing it all together!
- To the bowl of massaged kale, add:
- Roasted delicata squash
- Cooked farro
- Pomegranate arils
- Pour the maple apple cider dressing over the top.
- Toss gently until everything is evenly coated and glossy.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
- Crumble the soft goat cheese over the salad.
- Sprinkle with extra pomegranate arils for color.
- Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of freshly cracked pepper.
- Serve warm or at room temperature — either way, it’s a showstopper!
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
This salad is delicious cold or at room temperature.
If you prefer it warm, reheat the farro and squash separately before combining.
Make-Ahead Tip:
You can roast the squash and cook the farro a day ahead. Store separately, and toss with kale, cheese, and dressing just before serving. 🥄 Variations This salad is endlessly adaptable — try one of these seasonal twists: 🍏 Apple Addition: Add thinly sliced Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for extra sweetness and crunch. 🥕 Root Veggie Mix: Roast carrots, beets, or sweet potatoes with the squash for a heartier blend. 🥑 Creamy Upgrade: Add diced avocado for richness. 🧀 Cheese Swap: Substitute goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a sharper flavor. 🌰 Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for added texture. 🍋 Citrus Twist: Add orange segments or a little zest to the dressing for brightness. 🥬 Mixed Greens: Combine kale with arugula or spinach for a softer base. 🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for heat. 🌾 Grain Alternatives: Use quinoa, barley, or wild rice instead of farro. 🥗 Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal. Each version keeps the same cozy balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and earthy flavors that make this salad unforgettable. ❓ 10 FAQs 1. Can I use a different type of squash?
Yes! Butternut or acorn squash works beautifully — just peel and cube before roasting. 2. Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Absolutely. Spinach gives a lighter, softer texture, while kale adds more structure. 3. Is farro gluten-free?
No, but you can use quinoa or brown rice instead for a gluten-free option. 4. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Just skip the goat cheese or use a plant-based alternative. 5. What’s the easiest way to get pomegranate seeds out?
Cut the pomegranate in half and tap the back with a wooden spoon over a bowl — the arils will pop right out. 6. Can I use store-bought pomegranate seeds?
Definitely! It saves time and works perfectly in this recipe. 7. Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week — just shake well before using. 8. How do I keep kale from being too bitter?
Massaging it with a bit of olive oil and salt softens the leaves and mellows the bitterness. 9. Can I add nuts to this salad?
Yes! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds add wonderful crunch and flavor. 10. What can I serve this salad with?
It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or a cozy fall soup. 🏁 Conclusion This Autumn Harvest Salad with Pomegranates is the ultimate fall dish — colorful, cozy, and bursting with texture. Every forkful brings a perfect balance of sweet roasted squash, tangy goat cheese, juicy pomegranate, and hearty farro, all brought together by a maple apple cider dressing that ties it all together. It’s the kind of salad that feels comforting yet fresh, indulgent yet wholesome — ideal for everyday meals or festive gatherings. Whether you serve it as a side at Thanksgiving or as a light dinner on a chilly evening, it’s guaranteed to impress. So grab your kale, slice that squash, and let the warm, cozy flavors of autumn come to life in this beautiful, nutrient-packed salad.
You can roast the squash and cook the farro a day ahead. Store separately, and toss with kale, cheese, and dressing just before serving. 🥄 Variations This salad is endlessly adaptable — try one of these seasonal twists: 🍏 Apple Addition: Add thinly sliced Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for extra sweetness and crunch. 🥕 Root Veggie Mix: Roast carrots, beets, or sweet potatoes with the squash for a heartier blend. 🥑 Creamy Upgrade: Add diced avocado for richness. 🧀 Cheese Swap: Substitute goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a sharper flavor. 🌰 Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for added texture. 🍋 Citrus Twist: Add orange segments or a little zest to the dressing for brightness. 🥬 Mixed Greens: Combine kale with arugula or spinach for a softer base. 🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for heat. 🌾 Grain Alternatives: Use quinoa, barley, or wild rice instead of farro. 🥗 Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal. Each version keeps the same cozy balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and earthy flavors that make this salad unforgettable. ❓ 10 FAQs 1. Can I use a different type of squash?
Yes! Butternut or acorn squash works beautifully — just peel and cube before roasting. 2. Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Absolutely. Spinach gives a lighter, softer texture, while kale adds more structure. 3. Is farro gluten-free?
No, but you can use quinoa or brown rice instead for a gluten-free option. 4. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Just skip the goat cheese or use a plant-based alternative. 5. What’s the easiest way to get pomegranate seeds out?
Cut the pomegranate in half and tap the back with a wooden spoon over a bowl — the arils will pop right out. 6. Can I use store-bought pomegranate seeds?
Definitely! It saves time and works perfectly in this recipe. 7. Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week — just shake well before using. 8. How do I keep kale from being too bitter?
Massaging it with a bit of olive oil and salt softens the leaves and mellows the bitterness. 9. Can I add nuts to this salad?
Yes! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds add wonderful crunch and flavor. 10. What can I serve this salad with?
It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or a cozy fall soup. 🏁 Conclusion This Autumn Harvest Salad with Pomegranates is the ultimate fall dish — colorful, cozy, and bursting with texture. Every forkful brings a perfect balance of sweet roasted squash, tangy goat cheese, juicy pomegranate, and hearty farro, all brought together by a maple apple cider dressing that ties it all together. It’s the kind of salad that feels comforting yet fresh, indulgent yet wholesome — ideal for everyday meals or festive gatherings. Whether you serve it as a side at Thanksgiving or as a light dinner on a chilly evening, it’s guaranteed to impress. So grab your kale, slice that squash, and let the warm, cozy flavors of autumn come to life in this beautiful, nutrient-packed salad.