Ingredients
1 cup tri-color quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups Lacinato kale, stemmed and chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Step 2: While the squash is roasting, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Remove the quinoa from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil to create the dressing.
Step 5: Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the leaves with your hands for 2-3 minutes until they become dark green and tender.
Step 6: Add the cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and pepitas to the bowl with the kale.
Step 7: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
You can add goat cheese or feta for extra creaminess. For protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dishes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: quinoa salad, fall recipes, butternut squash, healthy salad, autumn harvest

