Name: Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Harvest Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, cubed); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp cinnamon; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 1 cup quinoa (rinsed); 2 cups water or vegetable broth; Pinch salt; 2 cups kale (chopped, stems removed); 0.25 cup dried cranberries; 0.25 cup roasted pumpkin seeds; 1 avocado (sliced); 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional); 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp maple syrup or honey; to taste salt and pepper

Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa is a delightful and nutrient-packed dish that has become my go-to for fall meals. This vibrant bowl features roasted butternut squash, quinoa, kale, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds, making it not only colorful but also incredibly nutritious. With its warm, comforting flavors and healthy ingredients, it’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome meal. Let’s dive into this amazing recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa

This Healthy Butternut Squash Quinoa Recipe offers numerous benefits that make it a fantastic choice for any meal. First, it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, thanks to the butternut squash and kale. Second, it’s a great source of plant-based protein from quinoa, making it ideal for vegetarians and vegans. Third, the combination of flavors—smoky paprika, sweet cranberries, and creamy avocado—makes it delicious and satisfying. Fourth, it’s gluten-free, ensuring that everyone can enjoy it. Fifth, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare, taking only 45 minutes from start to finish. Lastly, you can customize it with different ingredients, making each bowl unique and tailored to your tastes.

Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Harvest Bowl Recipe - Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa - main visual representation

Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa

Gather these items:

1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, cubed)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
2 cups water or vegetable broth
Pinch salt
2 cups kale (chopped, stems removed)
0.25 cup dried cranberries
0.25 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
1 avocado (sliced)
2 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
to taste salt and pepper

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Spread on baking sheet.
Step 3: Roast squash for 25–30 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway.
Step 4: Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine with water or vegetable broth and pinch of salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff and set aside.
Step 5: Massage chopped kale with a tiny drizzle of olive oil and pinch of salt for 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to make dressing.
Step 7: Assemble bowls: start with quinoa, then layer roasted squash, kale, cranberries, avocado, and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with dressing and optional balsamic glaze.
Step 8: Serve warm or refrigerate for a chilled salad variation.

Pro Tips for the Best Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh, seasonal ingredients for the best flavor.
Experiment with spices like cayenne pepper for a kick.
Prepare extra quinoa for meal prep; it stores well in the fridge.

Best Ways to Serve Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa

This Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Consider serving it with a side of whole grain bread or a light soup for a complete meal. It’s also perfect for lunch the next day!

How to Store and Reheat Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to maintain moisture. This dish is also great for Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Meal Prep; divide it into portions for easy grab-and-go lunches!

Frequently Asked Questions About Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa

What’s the secret to perfect Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa?

The secret lies in properly seasoning the butternut squash and ensuring the quinoa is fluffy. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness and use quality oils for roasting.

Can I make Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Just store the components separately and assemble them when ready to serve for the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa?

Ensure you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting the squash; this helps achieve a nice caramelization. Also, allow the quinoa to rest covered after cooking for perfect fluffiness.

Variations of Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa You Can Try

Explore variations such as adding beans for extra protein, using different greens like spinach, or mixing in nuts for added crunch. You can also create a spiced version by incorporating curry powder or chili flakes to the quinoa for a unique twist!

For more delicious recipes, check out these Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Muffins, Mini Pistachio Tartlets, and Loaded Chicken Nachos Feast. If you’re interested in the health benefits of quinoa, you can read more about it here.