Description
This vibrant Fall Quinoa Salad features roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash paired with fluffy cumin-spiced quinoa, fresh heirloom tomatoes, and crunchy slivered almonds. Drizzled with fresh lemon juice and garnished with parsley, it’s a wholesome, hearty salad perfect for autumn meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Vegetables
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts, halved (about 20 small sprouts)
- 3 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Quinoa
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa (multi-colored recommended)
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Salad Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup heirloom tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1 lemon (or lime), juiced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Prepare Vegetables for Roasting: Place the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and toss using your hands or a large spoon until the vegetables are evenly coated. Season generously with sea salt and pepper.
- Roast Vegetables: Bake the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they become tender and develop a nice browned, caramelized exterior.
- Cook Quinoa: While the vegetables roast, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. Add the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water to a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until water is fully absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Season Quinoa: Remove the cooked quinoa from heat. Stir in 2 teaspoons of cumin, and season with sea salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Assemble Salad: Transfer the quinoa to a large serving bowl or plate. Top with the roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, optional halved heirloom tomatoes, and slivered almonds for crunch.
- Add Lemon and Garnish: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the salad for a fresh, tangy flavor. Garnish generously with fresh parsley. Serve the salad warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a different citrus twist.
- The salad can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Adding toasted nuts or seeds can enhance texture and flavor.
- For a vegan meal, ensure the quinoa is rinsed well; this recipe is naturally vegan.
- If you prefer a crunchier vegetable texture, reduce roasting time slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fall salad, quinoa salad, roasted vegetables, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, healthy salad, vegan salad, autumn recipe
