The Best Fall Quinoa Salad Recipe
It’s that time of year for squash. I’m a big squash fan, and an even bigger fan when it’s roasted with maple syrup and butter. This savory yet slightly sweet butternut squash quinoa salad is easy, healthy, packed with big fall-inspired flavors, and there’s so much texture. The buttery maple syrup coats the tender squash, which is a nice contrast to the chewier quinoa. There’s lightly caramelized sweet yellow onion to boost the overall flavor, chewy tart-and-sweet dried cranberries, sliced almonds for a satisfying crunch, and parsley to add color and a mild herbiness. The salad is great right away but it’s a perfect make-ahead recipe because the flavors develop over time. I think it tastes better a day or two after making it. It’s perfect for work or school lunches!
What’s in Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad?
To make this easy quinoa salad, you’ll need: And this roasted butternut squash green bean casserole is a fun twist on a holiday classic that you’ll want to make all year long!
Butternut squash – make sure it’s peeled, diced, and cut into cubes Maple syrup – do NOT substitute pancake syrup Unsalted butter Extra virgin olive oil Yellow onion – White onion will also work. Or, if you prefer a little more bite, feel free to use red onion instead Quinoa – I used tri-colored quinoa. I don’t think it tastes much different than white quinoa, I like the added color, but use your favorite Apple cider vinegar Water Dried cranberries – I use orange-scented dried cranberries. Or, you can substitute pomegranate seeds Sliced almonds – Walnuts or pecans will also work Fresh parsley (flat-leaf) Lemon juice (optional)
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
This salad may be bursting with tastes and textures, but it’s surprisingly easy to make! Here’s an overview of the instructions:
More Quinoa Salad Recipes:
ALL OF MY QUINOA RECIPES! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Almond Quinoa Salad — Fast, easy, and fresh! Bright flavors and loads of texture! This clean-eating salad keeps you full and satisfied! Healthy never tasted so good! Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Quinoa Salad (GF) – Trying to keep meals healthier and lighter? Make this easy, refreshing and satisfying salad! Favorite Greens Quinoa Salad — I combined some of my favorite green vegetables and herbs in this fast, easy, light, and fresh salad! Twelve Superfood Salad— This superfood salad is packed with 12 superfoods! This is a great clean out the fridge meal and is easily customized to suit whatever you need to use up. Garden Fresh Quinoa Salad — If you’re looking for a light, refreshing salad that makes use of fresh, summery ingredients this is the one. Quinoa, Cherry, and Goat Cheese Salad – Healthy, EASY, and loaded with juicy cherries, tangy goat cheese, snap peas, mint, and more! The PERFECT light yet satisfying salad with so many great flavors! Spinach And Artichoke Quinoa Salad – All the flavors of classic spinach and artichoke dip are in this HEALTHY salad! The only thing that’s missing is tons of fat and calories! FAST, EASY, naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and tastes DELISH!
