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–+ servings

Roasted Butternut Squash and Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Warm, caramelized roasted butternut squash tossed with fluffy tri-color quinoa, tart dried cranberries, toasted crunchy pecans, crumbled salty feta cheese, and peppery baby arugula in a bright homemade maple cider dijon vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Healthy Dinner, Meal Prep, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Autumn Harvest Comfort Food

Ingredients
  

Roasted Butternut Squash
  • 4 cups butternut squash peeled, seeded, and diced into ¾-inch cubes (about 1 medium squash)
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup enhances caramelization
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Quinoa Base & Salad Toss-Ins
  • 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed thoroughly; tri-color or white
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water vegetable broth adds savory depth
  • 3 cups fresh baby arugula or tender baby kale, washed and dried
  • ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries or dried cherries
  • ½ cup raw pecan halves roughly chopped and toasted until fragrant
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese or creamy goat cheese; omit or swap dairy-free feta for vegan
  • ¼ cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds) toasted for extra crunch
Maple Cider Dijon Vinaigrette
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil first cold pressed
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar raw and unfiltered
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard emulsifies the dressing
  • 1 clove garlic finely grated or minced
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Method
 

Preparation & Roasting
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
  2. Toss diced butternut squash cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer with space between cubes.
  3. Roast for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping gently halfway through, until edges are golden caramelized and the squash is fork-tender. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Cook Fluffy Quinoa
  1. While squash roasts, rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water for 30 seconds. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and spread onto a shallow dish to cool to lukewarm.
Toast Pecans & Whisk Dressing
  1. In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast chopped pecans and pepitas for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking constantly, until nutty and fragrant. Immediately transfer to a small bowl to prevent burning.
  2. In a small glass jar or bowl, vigorously whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until completely emulsified.
Assemble & Serve
  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the fluffed lukewarm quinoa and baby arugula. Drizzle with half of the maple cider dressing and toss gently until greens are glossed and lightly softened.
  2. Add the warm roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
  3. Scatter crumbled feta cheese over top just before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature!

Notes

Meal prep tip: Keep dressing and feta in separate containers if packing lunches. Keeps crisp and vibrant for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

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