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Ultra close-up macro of vibrant autumn roasted butternut squash quinoa salad with cranberries, pepitas, and maple tahini dressing

Autumn Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad: Power Lunch

This vibrant autumn roasted butternut squash quinoa salad is the ultimate nourishing power lunch! Caramelized golden roasted squash cubes tossed with fluffy tri-color quinoa, tart dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and creamy goat cheese, finished with a velvety maple tahini dressing. Ready in 30 minutes for effortless fall meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

Roasted Butternut Squash & Grains
  • 4 cups butternut squash diced into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed
Salad Greens & Toppings
  • 4 cups baby spinach or baby kale
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) toasted
  • 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbled
Maple Tahini Dressing
  • 3 tbsp tahini
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2-3 tbsp warm water
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and black pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fork-tender with golden caramelized edges.
  1. While squash roasts, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  1. In a small mixing bowl or glass jar, whisk together the tahini, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk in warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until smooth, creamy, and easily pourable.
  1. In a large salad bowl, layer fresh baby greens and warm cooked quinoa. Drizzle with half of the maple tahini dressing and toss gently to allow grains and greens to wilt slightly. Add the warm roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
  1. Top with crumbled goat cheese and drizzle the remaining maple tahini dressing over the surface. Serve warm or chilled for lunch, paired with crusty bread or grilled proteins.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 11gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 340mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 7gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 16800IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 3.6mg

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