Print

Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

Butternut squash quinoa salad with spinach, dried cranberries, feta, pumpkin seeds, and maple Dijon dressing.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This butternut squash quinoa salad combines roasted squash, fluffy quinoa, baby spinach, dried cranberries, and feta with a five-minute maple Dijon dressing. Serve it warm as a fall side dish or cold as a make-ahead lunch.

Ingredients

For the roasted squash

  • 4 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (about one 20-ounce package)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the salad

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth, chicken broth, or water
  • 3 packed cups baby spinach
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup roasted pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans
  • 1/3 cup maple Dijon dressing, plus more as needed

Instructions

  • Heat the oven to 425°F.
  • Toss the cubed squash on a large sheet pan with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Spread into a single layer and roast 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and browned.
  • Meanwhile, combine the rinsed quinoa and broth in a medium saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer about 15 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.
  • Off the heat, let the quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  • Transfer the warm quinoa to a large bowl and stir in the spinach to soften it slightly.
  • Fold in the roasted squash and cranberries.
  • Add 1/3 cup maple Dijon dressing and toss gently, adding more as desired.
  • Top with feta and pumpkin seeds right before serving.

Notes

  • Pre-cut squash saves the most time; cut any oversized pieces down to size.
  • Add a 15-ounce can of drained chickpeas or two cups of cooked chicken to make it a meal.
  • Store crunchy toppings separately when prepping ahead.
  • Leftovers keep up to four days; add a spoonful of dressing if the quinoa dries out.

Find it online: https://reachwellth.com/butternut-squash-quinoa-salad/