Preheat the oven to 200°C (top-bottom). Wash the pumpkin, peel it with a vegetable peeler, cut it in half, remove the seeds with a spoon, and dice the flesh into 2-3 cm cubes. Wash the spinach and dry it in a salad spinner or gently with a paper towel. Peel and cut the red onion in half, then slice it into thin half-moons. Chop the parsley very finely.
Description
A bold, seasonal salad that combines the sweetness of roasted pumpkin with the crunch of nuts and the juiciness of pomegranate seeds. Quinoa adds a light, nutty texture and plant-based protein, while the honey-lemon dressing highlights the contrast of flavors. The dish is colorful (orange from the pumpkin, red pomegranate seeds, green spinach leaves), filling yet light — perfect as a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a standalone snack. Preparation can be done in about 35 minutes; it looks impressive on the table and can easily be adapted to a diet (vegan version by substituting honey).
Ingredients Used
Ingredients (15)
- Butternut squash, peeled and diced 600 g
- Quinoa, dry 160 g
- Young spinach, washed 120 g
- Pomegranate seeds 120 g
- Chopped walnuts 80 g
- Red onion, half (medium) 0.5 szt.
- Extra virgin olive oil 0.2 łyżek
- Honey 30 ml
- Lemon juice 30 ml
- Dijon mustard 15 g
- Parsley, bunch 1 pęczek
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Salt 0.1 szczypt
- Pieprz czarny, świeżo mielony 1 szczypta
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Dried cranberries (optional) 60 g
- Soft goat cheese (optional) 80 g
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Preparation steps
Preparation of ingredients
Roasting pumpkin
Place the chopped pumpkin in a large bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons (30 g) of olive oil, sprinkle with 1 g of salt, and gently mix with your hand or a silicone spatula to coat each piece. Spread the pumpkin on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arranging the pieces in a single layer without overlapping. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring the pumpkin with a spatula halfway through — it will be ready when the edges of the cubes are slightly browned and the center is soft (check with a fork: it should go in easily but not fall apart completely). Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
Quinoa
In a small pot, add 160 g of dry quinoa and rinse it under running water through a fine mesh sieve, rubbing the grains with your fingers until the water runs clear. Add 320 ml of water to the pot (ratio 1:2). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 12–15 minutes, until the grains swell and the visible "spiral" bursts. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Preparing the dressing
In a small bowl, combine 15 g Dijon mustard, 30 g honey, 30 ml fresh lemon juice, and 15 g olive oil. Whisk vigorously with a whisk or fork for about 30 seconds, until the ingredients form a smooth emulsion. Season with 1 g salt and 1 g freshly ground pepper, taste, and adjust the flavor if necessary (more lemon juice for acidity, more honey for sweetness).
Combining the salad
In a large, flat bowl (or on a serving plate), first arrange the washed spinach. On top of it, spread the still warm (not hot) quinoa, then add pieces of roasted pumpkin, thin half-moons of red onion, pomegranate seeds, and chopped walnuts. Drizzle the salad evenly with the prepared dressing (preferably by spooning it in several places), sprinkle with finely chopped parsley and freshly ground pepper. If you are using dried cranberries or goat cheese, add them now: scatter the cranberries evenly and crumble the cheese on top.
Finishing and serving
Before serving, gently toss the salad with two large spatulas so that the dressing is evenly distributed but does not break the pieces of pumpkin. Serve immediately — the salad tastes best when the leaves are fresh and the pumpkin is slightly warm. On the plates, garnish with an extra sprig of parsley or a few pomegranate seeds.
Fun Fact
Quinoa is often referred to as the 'mother of grains' in the Andes and was valued by the Incas as a complete source of nutrients. Pomegranate was a symbol of fertility and wealth in many cultures, which is why it is frequently used in festive dishes.
Best for
Tips
Serve on a large, flat plate to showcase the colors. A lightly sparkling drink or a fresh white wine pairs well with the salad. For a heartier version, you can add grilled chicken breast or pieces of baked salmon.
Best consumed immediately. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 24 hours — keep the dressing separate, and before serving, lightly warm the pumpkin and quinoa. The salad may lose the crunchiness of the spinach and become tough after a longer period.
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