Northern Spy's Kale Salad

This salad is ideal for making ahead for company (or tomorrow's lunch) and has been a mainstay on the menu at Northern Spy Food Co. in Manhattan's East (…more) —Genius Recipes

Serves 2

• 1/2 cup cubed kabocha, butternut, or other winter squash
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 bunch kale (preferably lacinato or dinosaur kale), ribs removed and finely sliced, about 2 1/2 cups
• 1/4 cup almonds, cut roughly in half
• 1/4 cup crumbled or finely chopped Cabot cloth bound cheddar (or any good,

• aged cheddar -- if you can't find aged cheddar, use parmesan)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Pecorino or other hard cheese, for shaving (optional)

1. Heat oven to 425° F. Toss squash cubes in just enough olive oil to coat, and season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet (lined with parchment for easier cleanup), leaving space between the cubes. Roast in the oven until tender and caramelized, about 40 minutes, tossing with a spatula every 10-15 minutes. Toast the almonds on a baking sheet in the same oven until they start to smell nutty, tossing once, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the kale with the almonds, cheddar and squash. Season to taste with lemon juice and olive oil (approximately 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons olive oil). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Divide salad between two plates or shallow bowls. Garnish with shaved pecorino cheese, if desired, and serve.

• This recipe is a Community Pick!