The Butternut Squash & Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Sweet Citrus Dressing brings together everything we love about comfort food and vibrant, healthy eating. Sweet roasted squash mingles with tart cranberries, nutty quinoa, and a zesty citrus dressing for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is nourishing. This Butternut Squash Cranberry Quinoa Salad is more than just a recipe—it’s a seasonal celebration of color and flavor. In this article, you’ll find the complete recipe, creative variations, nutrition insights, and a helpful FAQ section. Whether you’re seeking a hearty Vegan Salad, festive side, or balanced Salad Quinoa bowl, this one will impress every guest.
A Cozy Kitchen Memory Behind the Butternut Squash Cranberry Quinoa Salad
It all started one crisp autumn evening when I first created what would later become our family’s go-to Butternut Squash Cranberry Quinoa Salad. The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of roasting squash—sweet, nutty, and perfectly caramelized—and the golden cubes drew everyone in before the dish even hit the table. That night, surrounded by family and flickering candles, I tossed together quinoa, cranberries, and toasted nuts with a bright splash of citrus dressing. It was simple, but it captured everything I love about cool-weather cooking: warmth, color, and heartiness.
The idea for this Cranberry Nut Quinoa Dish came from a desire to use seasonal produce in a way that felt both wholesome and festive. I had seen countless versions of Quinoa Salad Craisins recipes but wanted something a bit more layered in texture and flavor. The soft sweetness of roasted squash contrasts beautifully with tart dried cranberries and the crunch of nuts—each bite offering something different. From that dinner forward, this Butternut Squash Cranberry Quinoa Salad became our new holiday tradition, appearing at Thanksgiving, cozy Sunday meals, and even lunch prep days. Every bite reminds me of the joy found in using simple ingredients to create something that feels special.
This meal quickly became the kind of salad that not only looked beautiful but felt nourishing from the inside out, thanks to its gorgeous colors and satisfying mix of flavors and textures.
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Butternut Squash & Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Sweet Citrus Dressing
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant vegan salad featuring roasted butternut squash, tart cranberries, nutty quinoa, and toasted pecans tossed in a sweet citrus dressing. Perfect for fall gatherings, meal prep, or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a sheet pan and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and golden, stirring once.
3. While squash roasts, bring quinoa and broth to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and cool.
4. In a small bowl, whisk orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in remaining olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Stir in orange zest if using.
5. Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes until fragrant, then set aside to cool.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, roasted squash, cranberries, greens, and toasted nuts.
7. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice.
8. Serve warm or chill for 30 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping dressing separate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: roasting and mixing
- Cuisine: vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: butternut squash cranberry quinoa salad, cranberry nut quinoa dish, vegan salad, salad quinoa, sweet citrus dressing, fall salad, roasted squash salad, healthy quinoa bowl
Why This Vegan Salad Is a Seasonal Favorite
This Vegan Salad perfectly embodies fall and winter freshness. It’s the kind of recipe that looks stunning on a table and pleases every palate—sweet, savory, tangy, and satisfying all at once. The combination of creamy roasted butternut squash, tart cranberries, crunchy toasted nuts, and fluffy quinoa makes this dish a texture lover’s dream. Toss it all with a light sweet citrus dressing, and you have a balanced plate that brightens any meal.
One of the best things about this Vegan Salad is its versatility. It can be served warm straight from the oven for a cozy dinner, chilled for a refreshing meal prep option, or plated beautifully beside grilled tofu or roasted vegetables. The Butternut Squash Cranberry Quinoa Salad also travels well, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for potlucks and holiday dinners. Its natural sweetness, plant-based goodness, and bursts of color make it a celebration of seasonal eating—and a shining example of how a simple Cranberry Nut Quinoa Dish can become a staple for anyone who loves vibrant Salad Quinoa recipes.
Key Ingredients for the Quinoa Salad with Butternut Squash and Cranberries
Every delicious Butternut Squash Cranberry Quinoa Salad begins with wholesome, seasonal ingredients that bring both flavor and texture to the table. This Cranberry Nut Quinoa Dish blends sweet, savory, and nutty elements for a hearty yet refreshing Vegan Salad you can enjoy any time of the year. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need to create this colorful and nourishing Salad Quinoa masterpiece.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Butternut squash | 1 medium (about 4 cups, cubed) | Peeled, seeded, and cut into ¾-inch cubes |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For roasting squash and coating quinoa |
| Quinoa | 1 cup (uncooked) | Rinse before cooking; any color works |
| Water or vegetable broth | 2 cups | Broth enhances flavor |
| Dried cranberries | ¾ cup | Replace with fresh cranberries for extra tartness |
| Chopped nuts | ½ cup | Pecans or walnuts add crunch; use seeds for nut-free option |
| Fresh spinach or kale | 2–3 cups | Roughly chopped for a green base |
| Orange juice | ¼ cup | Freshly squeezed for citrus brightness |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Adds a tangy balance to the dressing |
| Maple syrup | 1 tablespoon | Natural sweetener for the dressing |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon | Helps emulsify the citrus dressing |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Adjust to preference |
| Zest of one orange (optional) | — | Enhances aroma and color |
Step-by-Step Preparation Method for Sweet Citrus Dressing and Salad Assembly
1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or coat it with olive oil. Spread cubed squash evenly, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender. Cool slightly before mixing.
2. Cook the Quinoa: Combine rinsed quinoa and water (or broth) in a saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and cool 10 minutes before assembling.
3. Prepare the Sweet Citrus Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and seasoning. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until smooth. Add orange zest for extra brightness.
4. Toast the Nuts: Toast chopped nuts in a skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes until fragrant. Remove before browning too much for a warm, nutty crunch in your Quinoa Salad Craisins creation.
5. Assemble the Salad: Combine quinoa, roasted squash, cranberries, greens, and toasted nuts in a large bowl. Pour dressing overtop and toss gently to coat evenly.
6. Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or chill for 30 minutes. The salad will keep well for 3–4 days refrigerated if stored in an airtight container. Keep some dressing separate to refresh before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare quinoa and squash ahead of time and refrigerate. Mix fresh dressing before serving and layer ingredients in jars for easy lunches. This colorful Cranberry Nut Quinoa Dish is perfect for meal prep or holiday gatherings.
Creative Twists on the Classic Cranberry Nut Quinoa Dish
One of the great things about the Butternut Squash Cranberry Quinoa Salad is how easy it is to customize. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it becomes a canvas for endless creativity. This Cranberry Nut Quinoa Dish is already full of texture and color, but a few thoughtful add-ins can make every version unique while keeping it nutritious and delicious.
Add roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch, or swap walnuts for seeds if you need a nut-free version. If not strictly vegan, sprinkle feta cheese or diced avocado for a creamy twist. Swap out the citrus dressing for balsamic glaze in winter or honey-lime in summer to change the flavor profile. Its adaptability makes it a favorite year-round.
For presentation, try serving the salad family-style on a platter, layered in jars for take-along lunches, or side by side with grilled tofu, portobellos, or roasted carrots. However presented, this Salad Quinoa never fails to add colorful, wholesome appeal to the table.
Nutrition Benefits of Butternut Squash Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Beyond its vibrant flavor, the Butternut Squash Cranberry Quinoa Salad is a nutritional powerhouse. Butternut squash provides vitamins A and C for immunity and skin health, while cranberries deliver antioxidants and natural tartness. Quinoa anchors this Cranberry Nut Quinoa Dish with complete plant-based protein and fiber to support digestion and energy. Nuts add healthy fats and minerals, and greens boost iron and calcium intake. The citrus dressing adds vitamin C and bright flavor that ties it all together.
| Nutritional Aspect | Approx. Amount per Serving | Health Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal | Balanced meal portion |
| Protein | 9–10 g | Complete plant protein from quinoa |
| Fiber | 7–8 g | Excellent for digestion and fullness |
| Healthy fats | 12 g | From nuts and olive oil |
| Vitamin A | 250% DV | Provided primarily by squash |
| Vitamin C | 60% DV | From citrus and leafy greens |
| Iron | 10% DV | Boosted by quinoa and greens |
Altogether, this balanced Vegan Salad nourishes with macro and micronutrients that support overall health while delivering warmth and comfort in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Quinoa Salad ahead of time?
Yes! The Butternut Squash Cranberry Quinoa Salad keeps beautifully when prepped in advance. Roast the squash, cook the quinoa, and store separately until ready to combine. Add dressing just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best nut choice for this Cranberry Nut Quinoa Dish?
Pecans and walnuts deliver a buttery crunch that enhances the sweet and tangy flavors. For nut-free versions, use seeds like sunflowers or pepitas for similar texture while keeping it allergen-friendly.
How long can I store leftover salad?
It will stay fresh for 3–4 days in the refrigerator if sealed well. Keep dressing separate until serving to maintain texture and crispness.
Can I substitute sweet potatoes for butternut squash?
Absolutely. Sweet potatoes roast similarly and offer a lovely earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with cranberries and citrus.
Is the dressing suitable for other Vegan Salads?
Yes—the bright, tangy Sweet Citrus Dressing works wonderfully on other Vegan Salads or grain bowls. It also complements roasted veggies and greens perfectly.
Conclusion
The Butternut Squash & Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Sweet Citrus Dressing celebrates everything special about seasonal cooking: warmth, color, flavor, and nourishment. With roasted squash for comfort, cranberries for brightness, and quinoa for hearty balance, it’s truly a Vegan Salad that’s indulgent yet wholesome.
Simple to prepare and endlessly versatile, this Butternut Squash Cranberry Quinoa Salad embodies nourishing simplicity. Whether presented at festive feasts or enjoyed throughout the week, it brings color and joy to every plate.
From casual lunches to holiday tables, this timeless Cranberry Nut Quinoa Dish guarantees delicious memories shared with loved ones. Serve, savor, and celebrate life’s seasons with this vibrant Salad Quinoa creation.
