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AUTUMN ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH QUINOA SALAD

This festive Quinoa Salad recipe features roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, toasted pecans and baby kale, and tossed with an orange-cinnamon dressing that’s sweet, savory, healthy and delicious! It’s nutrient dense, gluten-free, grain-free, low-fat, satisfying and will keep you feeling your best!

a side view of a large white serving bowl with autumn butternut squash and quinoa salad

You’ll want to bookmark this Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad for the next autumn holiday potluck or get-together. It’s a pretty, festive main or side dish for the table and I know your family and friends will love it!

Butternut squash with its warm colored flesh is a must have when in season. I’ve added a few other butternut squash recipes over the years like this warm Roasted Butternut Squash Salad + Shallot Vinaigrette, and hearty Autumn Wheat Berry + Butternut Squash Salad, or Creamy Butternut Squash + Sage Pasta Sauce and delicious Butternut Squash + Red Lentil Soup. And let’s not forget about this fan-favorite Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili!

The recipe I have for you today is adapted from this, Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash w/ Cranberries & Pecans, side dish recipe. I simply omitted the brussels sprouts and included the quinoa, making a perfect salad for a light lunch or dinner.

top down view of ingredients used to quinoa salad with roasted butternut squash, pecans and cranberries.

Ingredients + Variations

This recipe is very simple and can switched up easily to suit your taste.

Here is everything you will need, including a few ingredient variations:

  • Quinoa – My favorite grain, well technically it’s a seed, of all time! Quinoa is good for you, naturally gluten-free, contains a good amount of protein and has loads of fiber (which does wonders for my digestive tract). I’ve used tri-color quinoa here, but feel free to use your favorite or what you have on hand.
  • Butternut Squash – Use a squash that’s about 2 lbs., a small squash will be perfect if just eyeing it. Alternatively, to save time, use pre-cut squash which most grocery stores carry these days. Here’s a quick guide for How to Peel and Cut Butternut Squash.
  • Cranberries – This quinoa recipe calls for dried cranberries that will be added to the butternut squash once pulled from the oven, this will warm and soften them. If you prefer fresh cranberries, I would suggest using 1 cup and adding them to the oven, on a separate small rimmed baking sheet. If you do add them to the sheet pan with the butternut squash, just keep in mind that the color of the cranberries may bleed.
  • Pecans – The pecans will be toasted, but feel free to just use them as they are (I found both ways to be great). Just be careful when toasting as they burn easily, I accidentally over toasted a few while making this. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or pistachios.
  • Baby Kale – Baby kale is soft and tender, unlike it’s full-grown version. You can use regular kale instead, just chop it up and put it in a large bowl with a big squeeze of orange or lemon juice to soften for about 10 minutes, tossing well a few times. You can also use baby spinach or regular spinach that’s been chopped. Even arugula or 50/50 spring mix will work well.
  • The Dressing – For the quinoa salad dressing I used a simple orange and cinnamon dressing, it’s warm flavored and wonderful. And it’s made even better with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Feel free to eat the quinoa salad without any dressing, it’s delicious with just salt & pepper too!
top down view of butternut squash and red onion on a rimmed baking sheet ready for the oven.

How To Make Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

Here’s a quick look at the process of making this roasted butternut squash quinoa salad. You can find the full printable recipe at the bottom of this post.

  • Roast the butternut squash. On a lined sheet pan, toss the butternut squash and onion with olive oil. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder and salt overtop, arrange in a single layer (shown above), and bake for 25 – 30 minutes, stirring once or twice. Pull sheet pan from the oven, add the cranberries to the pan to soften.
  • Prep the quinoa & pecans. While the butternut squash is cooking, make the quinoa and toast the pecans.
top down view of all the ingredients added to a bowl and ready to be mixed: ingredients include roasted butternut squash, quinoa, toasted pecans, baby spinach and cinnamon orange dressing
  • Assemble the quinoa salad. In a large mixing bowl (shown above), add the cooked quinoa, butternut squash mix, pecans, baby kale, drizzle with orange juice and cinnamon, toss well to coat (shown below). Finally, add a generous pinch of salt and pepper to taste. And when in season, pomegranate seeds add more flavor, texture and nice pop of color!

And that’s it, easy as can be! A healthy and delicious butternut squash quinoa salad for everyone to enjoy. And trust me, they will!

a close up top view of butternut squash and quinoa salad

How To Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 – 5 days in a covered container. This salad makes for great make-ahead meals and can be served chilled, at room temperature, or gently warmed.

Can You Freeze Squash + Quinoa Salad?

Yes, this quinoa salad is freezer-friendly and will last 2 – 3 months in the freezer. I suggest if planning on freezing to omit the baby kale or spinach, add it to the salad before serving. To freeze, simply let cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers (affiliate link), or large baggies. Let thaw in the refrigerator before serving or warming.

More Autumn Quinoa Recipes!

top down view of roasted butternut squash quinoa salad with pecans in a large serving bowl with wooden utensils.

If you try this quinoa salad recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

Print

AUTUMN BUTTERNUT SQUASH QUINOA SALAD

Autumn quinoa salad with roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, toasted pecans and baby kale tossed with an orange-cinnamon dressing is simple, healthy and delicious!

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Veganista
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 – 6 1x
  • Category: Salad, Side
  • Method: roast, simmer, mix
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) dried quinoa (I used tri-color)
  • 1 3/4 (394 ml) cup water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
  • 1 small butternut squash (about 2 lbs (.90 kg) or 6 cups), peeled, seeded and diced, 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) raw pecans
  • 2 handfuls of baby kale (about 3 ounces)
  • 1/4 cup (56 ml) orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • mineral salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • a handful of pomegranates, when in season (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. (204 c). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, a silpat or lightly grease with oil.

Quinoa: In a medium pot, bring the quinoa, water and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer over a gentle boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover and let rest 10 – 15 minutes, fluff with fork.

Roasted Butternut Squash: Place the butternut squash and onion the prepared sheet pan, drizzle with oil, using your hands or utensils, toss to coat. Spread across sheet pan in a single layer, sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and mineral salt. Place on rack in center of the oven and roast for 20 – 30 minutes, stirring once or twice. Will be done when butternut squash is just fork tender, not mushy.

When done, remove from oven and sprinkle dried cranberries overtop, let cool a few minutes. Cranberries will soften and warm.

Toast Pecans: Heat a small pan over medium-low, add pecans and stir often until fragrant for 2 – 3 minutes, careful not to let them burn. This step is optional, pecans are great un-toasted too.

Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the orange juice and cinnamon.

Assemble: In a large mixing/serving bowl, add the quinoa, butternut squash mixture, kale, pecans, and drizzle with the dressing, toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve: Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled. When in season, it pairs great with pomegranate seeds!

Store: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 – 6 days.

Notes

When peeling the butternut squash, a vegetable peeler works great! Here’s a quick guide on How To Peel & Cut Butternut Squash.

This can easily be made a day ahead, stored in the refrigerator and served chilled, served at room temperature or warmed. It’s holds up extremely well, looking just as fresh as if you’ve just made it!

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: For roasting butternut squash, I love using a Silpat or these parchment liners for lining this rimmed baking sheet (affiliate links).

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4 Comments

  1. I took this salad to an omnivore thanksgiving and Christmas last year as my main. It’s so good. I sent the recipe to many folks who tried it!

    I really love it with the addition of fresh cranberry sauce on top for an extra tangy kick.

    1. Julie | The Simple Veganista says:

      So glad they all loved it! Thanks for sharing and happy holidays to you and yours! Cheers :)

  2. Marcy youker says:

    love it, love you recipes, thanks.

    1. Julie | The Simple Veganista says:

      Thank you so much! Enjoy, this was delicious, I’m finishing the leftovers as I type! Cheers :)

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