Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Roasted Pumpkin, Pecan & Cranberry Quinoa Salad


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Recipes Tasteful
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 190–200°C (375–400°F).
  2. Spread cubed pumpkin over a large baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Roast for about 50 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender inside and crispy outside.

Step 2: Roast the Pumpkin Seeds

  1. Grease a small baking tray.
  2. Pat the washed pumpkin seeds dry, then mix them with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and maple syrup in a bowl.
  3. 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

  1. Heat a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the pecans and toast for 2 minutes on each side.
  2. 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

  1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa and add to a pot with 2 cups salted water or vegetable broth.
  2. 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.
  3. Stir in the baby spinach while the quinoa is still warm to allow it to wilt slightly.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

  1. Combine orange juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and garlic powder in a jar.
  2. Shake well to combine.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa-spinach mixture, roasted pumpkin, and dried cranberries. Stir gently to mix.
  2. 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