Make Ahead

Roasted Butternut and Red Quinoa Salad with Spicy Lime Vinaigrette

by:
August 23, 2013
13 Ratings
Roasted Butternut and Red Quinoa Salad with Spicy Lime Vinaigrette
Photo by James Ransom
Author Notes

This is my red quinoa salad with roasted squash, white beans, toasted pumpkin seeds, and cilantro, all mixed in a spicy lime vinaigrette. You can save the seeds from the squash to use as a garnish too! The bright, citrusy element of the dressing complements the filling, richness of the squash and beans, which also really helps to lighten up this whole grain, whole veggie meal. —Jillian Bernardini

Test Kitchen Notes

This is one of the best quinoa salads I've ever made. The dressing is insane -- I would love to make ceviche with it! When roasting the pumpkin seeds I added an extra teaspoon of olive oil to effectively make a paste with the paprika to coat. I would recommend tossing the salad with half of the dressing to start, and adding as you go. This has some great flavors and texture going on. —cratecooking

  • Serves 4
Ingredients
  • Vinaigrette
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • Zest of 1/2 lime
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Quinoa Salad
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 pounds peeled, seeded butternut squash cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 cup red quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 15 ounces white beans or 1 can, drained
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
In This Recipe
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Directions
  1. Vinaigrette
  2. In a small bowl, combine the shallot, garlic, jalapeño, lime zest and juice, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper.
  3. Gradually whisk in the olive and canola oils in a slow steady stream until combined. Taste for seasoning, and set aside until ready to dress the salad.
  1. Quinoa Salad
  2. Set the oven to 350 degrees. On a baking sheet, combine the pumpkin seeds with the olive oil and paprika in one even layer. Toast for 8 minutes in the oven, or until browned and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  3. Turn the oven temperature up to 400 degrees, and on the same baking sheet, combine the butternut squash and canola oil. Season with salt and pepper, and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, tossing halfway through to evenly brown and caramelize. Set aside to cool.
  4. In a saucepan over medium heat, toast the quinoa, stirring often, for 2 minutes, or until the grains are aromatic. Add the water and a pinch of salt. Stir well and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until quinoa is tender. Transfer to a large bowl and fluff with a fork.
  5. Add the squash, white beans, half of the pumpkin seeds, and half of the cilantro to the quinoa. Drizzle with the lime dressing and toss gently. Taste for seasoning, and add more salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining pumpkin seeds and cilantro.
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