January always starts off for me with enthusiasm and resolve (even if I don’t really make resolutions, the season is so resolution-y it catches on). Plus, at the beginning of the month I usually still feel a bit unwell from all the holiday over-indulgences so it’s easier to eat more healthfully. But as January drags on, and it’s still cold and my resolve to do anything other than watch Netflix and order takeout wanes. The healthy meals I had dreamed up are just not going to cut it if they aren’t also super substantial and hearty and really tasty.

This salad does it all: ample greens and squash provide enough vegetables so that you can still feel plenty of health-smugness, but feta, avocado and wheat berries make it hearty and satisfying enough to help power you through the rest of the dreary month. The dressing is tart and just sweet enough to take the edge off the lime sourness. The wheat berries, roasted squash and can be done in advance and just sit in the fridge waiting to get tossed together with everything else and ready to eat in less than 5 minutes. It’s everything your late-January needs.

roasted delicata squash salad:

1 delicata squash
2 tbs vegetable oil
½ tsp each garlic powder and cumin
6 cups sturdy greens (kale, arugula, chard…whatever looks good to you)
2 cups cooked wheat berries (cooked it plenty of salted boiling water until tender like al dente pasta)
1 avocado thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled feta
lime & cumin dressing (below)

Halve the squash and scoop out the stringy innards. Slice into thin rings and toss with oil and spices. Roast at 450F for 15-20 minutes turning slices halfway through. Set aside to cool slightly.

Toss greens, cheese, avocado and wheat berries. Lay slices of squash over top and drizzle with lime dressing.

lime & cumin dressing:

Juice of two limes
⅓ cup olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili flakes
2 tsp honey
½ tsp salt
2 cloves garlic

Blend everything together in a mini food processor (or whisk together, but make sure to finely mince the garlic first) until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning and sweetness.