Description
This Roasted Pumpkin & Quinoa Salad is the ultimate healthy fall salad recipe, packed with caramelized pumpkin, fluffy quinoa, fresh arugula, and a tangy balsamic maple dressing. It’s hearty enough for a meal and perfect for meal prep or autumn entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds sugar pumpkin, peeled and cubed (1-inch pieces)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Peel and cube pumpkin, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and cinnamon.
- Spread pumpkin on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Meanwhile, bring vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add rinsed quinoa and salt. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let sit 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine warm quinoa and roasted pumpkin. Add arugula, feta, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and red onion.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
Notes
To make it vegan, omit the feta or use a plant-based alternative. You can roast pumpkin and cook quinoa ahead of time. Store salad components separately and dress just before serving for best texture. Substitute butternut squash, kale, or goat cheese based on your preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg