Ingredients and Weight:
- Quinoa, 2 cups (320g)
- Butternut squash, 1 medium (750g)
- Brussels sprouts, 1 pound (450g)
- Apples, 2 medium (300g)
- Dried cranberries, 1/2 cup (90g)
- Pecans, 1/2 cup (60g)
- Red onion, 1/4 cup (30g)
- Feta cheese, 1/2 cup (100g) (optional)
Preparation Time:
Cooking Time:
Difficulty Level:
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut butternut squash into 1-inch cubes and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
- Trim and halve Brussels sprouts. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until browned.
- Slice apples and thin slice red onion. Toast pecans in a pan for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Rinse quinoa and cook according to package instructions.
- While quinoa cooks, prepare the poppy seed dressing. Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Whisk until emulsified.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, combine it with the roasted vegetables, apples, onion, cranberries, pecans, and feta (if desired).
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Total fat: 15g
- Saturated fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 10g
Dish Characteristics:
- Fall-themed with vibrant colors and flavors
- Healthy and satisfying with a balance of whole grains, vegetables, and protein
- Vegetarian-friendly (omit feta for vegan)
- Easy to make ahead of time for busy days
User Comments:
- "This salad is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy. The dressing is tangy and flavorful."
- "I love the combination of roasted vegetables and quinoa. It's a great dish for a light lunch or dinner."
- "The poppy seed dressing adds a nice touch of elegance and makes the salad feel special."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use ripe, firm butternut squash and Brussels sprouts for optimal flavor.
- To save time, you can roast the vegetables the night before and assemble the salad later.
- If you don't have honey, you can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
