When the cool breeze of autumn arrives, it’s time to embrace hearty, wholesome dishes that celebrate the season’s best produce. This Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad is the perfect balance of vibrant fall flavors, packed with roasted butternut squash, crispy apples, dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts, all tossed with fluffy quinoa and a zesty maple vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a side dish for your holiday table, or a satisfying meal prep option, this salad is a delicious way to savor the flavors of fall.
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Why You’ll Love This Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad 🍂
Nutrient-Packed and Filling: With protein-rich quinoa, healthy fats from nuts, and fiber from seasonal veggies and fruits, this salad is both nourishing and satisfying.
Bursting with Fall Flavors: From roasted butternut squash to tart cranberries and crisp apples, each bite brings a taste of autumn to your plate.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping or packing for work or school lunches.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want to swap out ingredients or add more seasonal veggies, this salad is endlessly versatile.
What Does Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad Taste Like? 😋
This quinoa salad is a symphony of textures and flavors. The nutty quinoa provides a hearty base, while the roasted butternut squash adds a sweet, caramelized richness. Crisp apples and dried cranberries give a fresh and tart contrast, and the crunchy pecans or walnuts bring a satisfying bite. Everything is tied together with a tangy-sweet maple Dijon vinaigrette, making this salad feel both refreshing and comforting at the same time.
Benefits of This Salad
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan (if you skip the optional cheese).
- Rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from seasonal produce like squash, apples, and cranberries.
- A perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbs to keep you full and energized.
- Great for parties and potlucks—it’s easy to make in large batches and tastes great at room temperature.
Ingredients for Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad 🍁
For the Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for extra flavor)
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped (toasted if desired)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium pot (for cooking quinoa)
- Baking sheet (for roasting the squash)
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk (for the vinaigrette)
- Sharp knife
- Salad tongs or large spoon
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No butternut squash? You can use roasted sweet potatoes or pumpkin for a similar texture and flavor.
- Dairy-free? Simply leave out the cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Need more protein? Add roasted chickpeas or grilled chicken for a heartier version of this salad.
- Want extra crunch? Toss in some sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or toasted almonds.
How to Make Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and tender. Let it cool slightly before adding to the salad.
Step 3: Prepare the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, diced apple, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts. Add the spinach or arugula and toss gently. Drizzle the maple Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese on top before serving. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later—it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld!
What to Serve with Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad
This salad is filling enough to enjoy as a main dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a complete fall-inspired meal, try serving it with roasted root vegetables, a creamy soup like butternut squash or tomato basil, or warm crusty bread.
Tips for Making the Best Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad
- Toast your nuts to bring out their natural oils and add extra depth of flavor.
- Cool the quinoa and squash slightly before adding them to the salad, so they don’t wilt the greens too much.
- Use fresh, crisp apples to provide the best contrast to the roasted veggies. A tart variety like Granny Smith or a sweet-tart Honeycrisp works perfectly.
- Let the salad sit for a bit before serving to let the flavors meld—it actually tastes better after an hour or so in the fridge.
How to Store Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad
This salad keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you’re meal prepping, store the salad and dressing separately, then toss them together just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
FAQs About Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep or making ahead for parties. Just store the dressing separately and toss everything together right before serving.
Q: Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
A: Absolutely. You can substitute farro, couscous, or even brown rice for the quinoa if you prefer a different grain texture.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Conclusion: Celebrate the Flavors of Fall with Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad 🍂🥗
This Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad is the ultimate way to enjoy the bounty of the fall season. With its rich combination of roasted squash, crisp apples, tart cranberries, and fluffy quinoa, all tied together with a sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette, it’s a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. Whether you’re making it for meal prep, a family gathering, or a simple weekday lunch, this salad is sure to become a fall favorite.
Looking for more fall recipes? Check out my Roasted Butternut Squash Soup and Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts for more seasonal inspiration!
Don’t forget to share your Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad creations on Pinterest and tag me—I’d love to see how you enjoy it! 🍁
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 5g
