Ultimate Quinoa & Roasted Pumpkin Salad Recipe | Best Quinoa Salad Recipe | Must Try

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: goat cheese

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Goat cheese is lower in fat and adds a tangy flavor.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable and has a neutral flavor.

pumpkin seeds

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: peanuts

Sunflower seeds provide similar crunch at a lower cost.

balsamic vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: red wine vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a healthier option with a similar tang.

Preheat the oven.

Scoop out the seeds from the Kent pumpkin and slice it into wedges about 1.5 inches thick.

Peel the pumpkin skin off and cut into cubes.

Place the pumpkin pieces in a roasting pan and coat with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.

Roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes depending on the size of the pumpkin cubes.

While the pumpkin is cooking, rinse 1 cup of quinoa a couple of times in a fine mesh colander and drain the water.

In a saucepan, add the rinsed quinoa and 1.5 to 2 cups of water.

Cook on medium to high heat until it comes to a boil, then reduce heat and keep a gentle simmer uncovered.

After 15 to 20 minutes, remove the pumpkin from the oven and flip the cubes, then roast for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until golden.

When the quinoa is done, remove from heat, cover, and let it steam for 5 to 10 minutes.

Thinly slice purple cabbage and a quarter of a red onion.

Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool before assembling the salad.

For the balsamic vinaigrette, mix together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and maple syrup.

Toss the cooled quinoa with washed and drained salad greens, sliced red cabbage, onion, and dried cranberries.

Dress the salad with the prepared vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper if desired.

Add toasted pine nuts and roasted pumpkin pieces on top.

Plate the salad and top it with crumbled cottage cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens