Not only does Coach Kristen excel at coaching, she is also a kick-ass chef. Check out this tasty recipe that makes for a great post workout meal!

When the weather cools down, warm salads are where it’s at! This colorful, produced-packed salad is bursting with delicious fall & winter flavors. Farro is slightly nutty in flavor, and is an extremely nutritious grain. It’s an excellent source of protein and fiber, and adds a lot of heartiness to this dish. This salad also keeps well in the refrigerator, and is a weekly staple in my house. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Roasted Butternut Squash & Farro Winter Salad

Approximately 6 servings

1 cup farro, dry

1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, and cut into ½” dice

2 tablespoons olive oil

¼ c chopped parsley

¼ c almonds, chopped

¼ c dried cranberries

3 cups kale (lacinato or curly), finely shredded

15 oz can chickpeas, drained & rinsed

2 medium apples, cored & cut into ½” dice

½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese, optional

Maple Apple Cider Vinaigrette

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon maple syrup

Sea salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Place the butternut squash on a rimmed baking sheet, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Roast the squash in the oven for 20-30 minutes, until tender. Remove from the oven, and set aside to cool slightly before adding to the salad.
While the squash is roasting, cook the farro according to package instructions. Set aside to cool slightly before adding to the salad.
Place all dressing ingredients in a large bowl; whisk to combine.
Add kale to the bowl with dressing; massage until the kale starts to soften and wilt, about 1-2 minutes. Add the diced apples and toss to combine. Add all remaining ingredients (except for optional cheese), and toss.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy warm. This salad will keep for several days in an airtight container in the refrigerator; leftovers are delicious served cold, or warmed up!