Pumpkin Quinoa Salad (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Salad
01 -
1 small pumpkin or medium butternut squash (about 1.4kg/3lb)
02 -
1 tablespoon oil
03 -
1 tablespoon maple syrup
04 -
¼ teaspoon salt
05 -
¼ teaspoon pepper
06 -
¼ teaspoon paprika
07 -
¾ cup pecans (90g/~3oz)
08 -
½ cup quinoa, rinsed well (100g/3½oz)
09 -
1 medium spring onion, finely sliced
10 -
⅓ cup dried cranberries (40g/~1½ oz)
11 -
⅓ cup chopped fresh mint
→ Maple Orange Vinaigrette
12 -
⅓ cup light flavored olive oil
13 -
2 tablespoons lemon juice
14 -
2 tablespoons orange juice
15 -
3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
16 -
1 tablespoon maple syrup
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 200C (180C fan forced) / 395F. Line a large baking sheet with baking paper or aluminum foil.
02 -
Peel and remove the seeds from the pumpkin. Cut into 2.5cm/1 inch slices, then cut those into 2-3 pieces. Place the pumpkin on the lined baking tray. Mix with the oil, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, salt, pepper, and paprika. Roast for about 20 minutes. Drizzle over 2 more teaspoons of maple syrup, toss the pumpkin pieces, then bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden and caramelized.
03 -
Transfer the roasted pumpkin to a bowl. Scatter the pecans on the baking tray and roast for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Be careful not to let them burn. Transfer to a large bowl to stop further cooking.
04 -
Place the rinsed quinoa in a small saucepan and cover with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to very low heat and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, leave the lid on, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
05 -
In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vinaigrette ingredients and shake well.
06 -
In a large bowl, combine the roasted pumpkin, toasted pecans, cooked quinoa, spring onion, dried cranberries, and chopped mint. Add half of the vinaigrette and mix well. Serve with the remaining dressing on the side.
# Notes:
01 -
Use a standard Australian 20ml tablespoon for accurate measurement.
02 -
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.