Looking for a healthy and delicious side dish? Look no further! This Butternut Squash and Kale recipe is easy to make, HEALTHY, and so yummy!

Butternut squash and kale on a plate that's sitting on a wooden cutting board.

When I think of butternut squash I don’t exactly think of kale. Kale is suppose to be bitter, too healthy, and frankly not my first choice in greens.

However, a few weeks ago I saw a photo of butternut squash and kale quesadillas. So I made them. Not a shabby quesadilla by any means.

It was the butternut squash and kale combo that got my wheels spinning!

I love butternut squash (like LOOOOOVE butternut squash). So pairing it with something healthy like kale was fine. If anything, it meant I could eat more without the guilt of eating the entire pan.

Because, hello! This side dish is healthy. Just scroll down and look at the nutrition facts.

Now compare that to my Nutella Brownies.

See. Healthy!

Diced butternut squash and chopped kale seasoned with pepper and chili powder.

I can always use more healthy in my life. And come on, how can you pass up a superfood such as Kale.

Health benefits of kale

  • 1 cup of raw kale = 33 calories, 3 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of fiber.
  • Has lutein and zeaxanthin. What does that mean? Those are nutrients that protect against macular degeneration and cataracts! ?? (I need alllll the eye health I can get). I’ve already had cataract surgery in my left eye. I’m 27. It’s a long story.
  • Kale is high in vitamin A (important for vision, the immune function, and reproduction) , vitamin C (antioxidant), and vitamin K (helps blood clotting)!
  • To sum it up, “Kale is among the most nutrient dense foods on the planet!”

Overhead photo of chopped fresh kale.

So I’ve convinced you that kale is the bomb dot com. If you aren’t incorporating kale into your diet, this butternut squash and kale recipe is a great recipe to start out with.

How to make Butternut Squash and Kale

  • Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the diced butternut squash and spices to the skillet. Cook for 6-10 minutes, or until the squash is slightly tender when pierced with a fork. Not too tender, because we still need to add and cook the kale.
  • Meanwhile, add the chopped kale to a large bowl.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the kale and add the salt. Using your hands, gently massage the kale for a minute or two. The leaves will become less tough, shrink in size, and have a silky texture. If you’re making a kale salad, this massaging step would be very important! In fact, you’d want to massage for a good 4-5 minutes. However, we are sautéing the kale and not eating it raw so the massaging part isn’t as important for this recipe. But just know the next time you go to make a kale salad… massage the kale.
  • Add the kale to the butternut squash. Cook for an addition 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and serve warm.

A wooden spoon scooping up diced butternut squash from a skillet.

There you have it! An easy side dish recipe that’s perfect for this time of year.

If you try this recipe be sure to come back and leave a rating in the comments section! I love hearing from my readers!

Three small plates with diced butternut squash and kale on them.

Additional kale recipes you’ll enjoy

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Diced butternut squash and chopped kale seasoned with pepper and chili powder.
Print Review
5 from 3 votes

Butternut Squash and Kale

Butternut squash is so yummy! Pair it with kale and you have a delicious (and healthy) meal or side dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 13 mins
Total Time: 23 mins
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
 

  • 4 cups butternut squash - diced about 1/2-1 inch
  • 1 bundle kale - stamps removed and leaves roughly chopped
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt - divided
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the butternut squash. Season the squash with chili powder, garlic powder, ½ tsp kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-10 minutes or until the squash is somewhat tender when pierced with a fork. 
  • In a large bowl combine the chopped kale, olive oil, and ½ tsp kosher salt. Using your hands, massage the kale for 1 minute. 
  • Add the kale to the butternut squash. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the kale has wilted slightly. Taste, and season as you’d like. Serve warm!

Nutrition

Calories: 89kcal (4%)Carbohydrates: 11g (4%)Protein: 1g (2%)Fat: 5g (8%)Saturated Fat: 2g (10%)Cholesterol: 10mg (3%)Sodium: 397mg (17%)Potassium: 335mg (10%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 2g (2%)Vitamin A: 10155IU (203%)Vitamin C: 19.8mg (24%)Calcium: 45mg (5%)Iron: 0.7mg (4%)
author: Salt & Baker
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
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