Description
This Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad is a wholesome and flavorful dish featuring roasted butternut squash, protein-packed quinoa, fresh greens, and a light vinaigrette. Perfect as a healthy lunch, side dish, or vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted pecans
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the butternut squash.
- Prepare and roast butternut squash: Toss the peeled and cubed butternut squash with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Cook quinoa: While the squash roasts, combine rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork, then let it cool slightly.
- Make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large serving bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, baby spinach or arugula, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss with dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the salad warm or chilled according to preference.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days for convenience.
- Substitute goat cheese for feta if desired to vary flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
