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To create this delicious salad, you'll need: - 1 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or kale) - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon cinnamon These ingredients work together to create a mix of sweet and savory flavors. The acorn squash adds a lovely warmth, while the quinoa provides a nice texture. To boost the taste of your salad, consider adding: - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - Fresh herbs like parsley or mint for garnish Feta cheese adds a creamy touch, while fresh herbs bring brightness to the dish. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients to match your taste. This salad serves four people. Each serving contains: - Calories: 290 - Protein: 9g - Carbohydrates: 43g - Dietary Fiber: 6g - Sugars: 8g - Fats: 10g This nutritional profile makes the salad a healthy choice. It offers fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making it a filling option for lunch or dinner. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Brush the cut sides with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon on top. Place the squash cut-side down on a lined baking sheet. Roast it for 30 to 35 minutes. After 15 minutes, drizzle maple syrup over the squash. Return it to the oven until tender. While the squash roasts, it’s time to cook the quinoa. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. Lower the heat and cover the pot, allowing it to simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Once the squash cools, scoop out the flesh and mix it into a large bowl with the cooked quinoa. Add dried cranberries and chopped pecans. Drizzle in lemon juice and stir well. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. To serve, place mixed greens on a plate. Top with the quinoa and squash mix. Finish with crumbled feta cheese if you like. Enjoy your salad delight! To pick the best acorn squash, look for a firm skin. It should feel heavy for its size. The color should be deep green with some orange streaks. Avoid squash with soft spots or blemishes. These signs mean they might be old or spoiled. Fresh squash will taste better in your salad. Cooking quinoa is simple. Rinse one cup of quinoa under cold water. This step removes bitterness. Then, boil two cups of vegetable broth or water in a pot. Add the rinsed quinoa and reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Once the liquid absorbs, let it sit for five minutes. Fluff it with a fork for the best texture. For a beautiful presentation, use a large, shallow bowl. Start with a bed of mixed greens. Then, add the quinoa and acorn squash mix on top. Sprinkle crumbled feta for color and taste. You can also add a few whole pecans on top. This adds crunch and looks great. Don’t forget to drizzle a bit of extra maple syrup for sweetness! {{image_2}} You can easily swap out some ingredients for others. If you lack acorn squash, try butternut squash or sweet potatoes. Both have a sweet taste that works well. For quinoa, you can use farro or rice. Both grains offer a nice texture. If you want a nut-free option, replace pecans with sunflower seeds. You can also skip the feta cheese if you need a dairy-free salad. Roasting gives the squash a sweet and caramelized flavor. But you can also steam or microwave it. Steaming takes about 15 minutes and keeps the squash soft. To microwave, place the squash in a dish with a little water. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes or until tender. Each method changes the texture but keeps the taste great. This salad is tasty as is, but you can add protein to make it a full meal. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs nicely with the flavors. You can also add chickpeas or black beans for a plant-based option. Tofu is another great choice. Just cube and sauté it until golden. These additions not only fill you up but also boost the nutrition of your salad. To keep your Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Quinoa Salad fresh, let it cool first. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors intact. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to separate the greens. They can wilt and lose texture. When reheating, you can use the microwave or the stove. If using a microwave, place the salad in a bowl. Heat it for about 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between. If you prefer the stove, use a pan on low heat. Stir gently until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out the quinoa. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight lids. Glass containers are great as they do not absorb odors. They are also safe for reheating. If you want to store individual servings, use smaller containers. This makes it easier to grab and go! Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. I often make it a day before serving. Just store the salad in the fridge. Keep the greens separate until you serve it. This keeps them fresh and crisp. The flavors will blend nicely overnight. If you don’t have quinoa, try using brown rice or farro. Both options work well. They add a great texture. You can also use couscous for a lighter choice. Adjust cooking times as needed for these substitutes. This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it. Pack it in airtight containers for easy lunches. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Just remember to add greens just before eating for the best taste. Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Quinoa Salad offers a tasty, healthy meal. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You can adjust flavors, try different cooking methods, and even add proteins. Store leftovers easily and enjoy them later. This salad fits perfectly into a meal prep plan. I encourage you to try this recipe for a delicious blend of taste and nutrition. Embrace the changes and enjoy every bite!

Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Quinoa Salad

Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors in this Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Quinoa Salad, perfect for any fall gathering! This healthy recipe combines roasted acorn squash, nutty quinoa, and sweet cranberries for a wholesome dish. Drizzle with maple syrup and serve over fresh greens for a vibrant meal that tastes as good as it looks. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your autumn dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth or water

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or kale)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

      Roast the squash in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until tender and easily pierced with a fork. After 15 minutes, drizzle maple syrup over the squash and return to the oven for the remaining time.

        While the squash is roasting, prepare the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the quinoa and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

          In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.

            Once the acorn squash is finished roasting, let it cool for a few minutes until it can be handled. Scoop out the flesh from the roasted squash and mix it into the quinoa salad.

              Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice as desired.

                To serve, place a handful of mixed greens on a plate, top with the quinoa and squash mixture, and finish with crumbled feta cheese if using.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 50 min | 4 servings