Description
his vibrant Roasted Pumpkin, Pecan & Cranberry Quinoa Salad is the perfect fall-inspired dish. With roasted pumpkin, caramelized pecans, and crispy pumpkin seeds, it’s packed with flavor and texture. The tangy orange dressing brings it all together in a refreshing, healthy salad that works as a main or a side. Great for holiday dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
The Salad Base (Serves 6):
- 1 small pumpkin (peeled and de-seeded; reserve seeds)
- 4 tbsp light olive oil (for roasting)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 handfuls baby spinach
- 1 cup quinoa
For the Toasted Caramelized Pecans:
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Generous pinch of salt
For the Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:
- Pumpkin seeds (from the pumpkin, washed thoroughly)
- 1 tbsp light olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 pinch chili powder
- 1 pinch paprika
- 1 tsp maple syrup
For the Dressing:
- Juice of one orange
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Generous pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Pumpkin
- Preheat the oven to 190–200°C (375–400°F).
- Spread cubed pumpkin over a large baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast for about 50 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender inside and crispy outside.
Step 2: Roast the Pumpkin Seeds
- Grease a small baking tray.
- Pat the washed pumpkin seeds dry, then mix them with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and maple syrup in a bowl.
- Spread the seeds over the tray and roast in the oven for 10–15 minutes, or until crispy. Let cool completely.
Step 3: Caramelize the Pecans
- Heat a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the pecans and toast for 2 minutes on each side.
- Add maple syrup and salt, stirring to coat the pecans. Toast for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Quinoa
- Rinse 1 cup quinoa and add to a pot with 2 cups salted water or vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Stir in the baby spinach while the quinoa is still warm to allow it to wilt slightly.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
- Combine orange juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and garlic powder in a jar.
- Shake well to combine.
Step 6: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the quinoa-spinach mixture, roasted pumpkin, and dried cranberries. Stir gently to mix.
- Just before serving, top with the toasted pecans, roasted pumpkin seeds, and drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Notes
- ou can substitute the maple syrup with honey if not vegan.
- For extra crunch, you can add some toasted sunflower seeds.
- This salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding freezing time)
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg