Oh wow, the first time I tried cosmic quinoa salad, I felt like I was eating the stars. So bright, so colorful, and so fresh. It looked like a rainbow in my bowl.

I love how the quinoa is soft and fluffy. Then you get the crunch from veggies and a zingy dressing. Every bite feels a little new and exciting.

Every time I make it, friends always ask for the recipe. It’s healthy but also super yummy. Honestly, it makes me feel good and full at the same time.

So, let’s make this cosmic salad together! Grab some quinoa, fresh veggies, and a splash of dressing. Trust me, it’s out-of-this-world delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Satisfying: A combination of quinoa, roasted butternut squash, and toasted pecans makes for a salad that’s both hearty and full of flavor.
Packed with Nutrients: This salad is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a powerhouse of nutrition.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge and can be enjoyed for days, making it ideal for a work-week lunch or quick dinner.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you serve it as a side dish, main course, or packed in a lunchbox, it’s a great way to change up your meal options.
Vegetarian and Gluten-Free: Whether you follow a vegetarian or gluten-free diet, this salad fits the bill, making it a great choice for diverse dietary needs.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this Cosmic Quinoa Salad, you’ll need a few simple kitchen tools that are likely already in your kitchen:

Medium saucepan – for cooking the quinoa.
Baking sheet – to roast the butternut squash.
Large bowl – for mixing the salad ingredients together.
Small bowl – to prepare the dressing.
Whisk – for blending the dressing ingredients.

Having these tools on hand will ensure the process is smooth and efficient. Ready to get started? Let’s go through the ingredients and the step-by-step process to make this salad.

Ingredients

The ingredient list for this salad is simple yet packed with flavor, and each ingredient brings its own unique taste and texture to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Salad Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa (rinsed) – Quinoa serves as the base of the salad, providing protein and a light, fluffy texture.
2 cups water – To cook the quinoa to perfection.
1 cup butternut squash, cubed – Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness and adds depth to the salad.
1 tablespoon olive oil – For tossing the butternut squash before roasting.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds a warm, comforting flavor to the squash.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Enhances the cinnamon flavor and adds warmth.
Salt and pepper to taste – To season the roasted squash and quinoa.
1/2 cup dried cranberries – Sweet, tart cranberries offer a burst of flavor and a chewy texture.
1/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped – Adds crunch and a nutty richness to the salad.
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled – The tangy and creamy feta balances the sweetness of the squash and cranberries.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a touch of herbal flavor.

Dressing Ingredients:

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the squash and cranberries.
1 tablespoon maple syrup – Provides a subtle sweetness that enhances the flavors in the salad.

Variations of Cosmic Quinoa Salad

As with any great recipe, there’s room for customization! Here are some ways to take this salad to the next level or adapt it to your taste preferences:

1. Add Protein:

Grilled Chicken or Tofu: Add grilled chicken or roasted tofu to turn this salad into a complete meal with added protein.
Chickpeas or Lentils: For a plant-based protein boost, toss in some chickpeas or lentils for extra texture and nutrition.

2. Swap for Different Nuts:

Almonds or Walnuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to swap them for slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

3. Try Different Cheese:

Goat Cheese or Blue Cheese: For a different cheesy flavor, try adding goat cheese or crumbled blue cheese instead of feta. Both bring a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the salad.

4. Add More Vegetables:

Roasted Beets or Carrots: You can also add roasted beets or carrots for a more earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cosmic Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. This will also ensure that it cooks up fluffy and soft.

In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed quinoa and water.
Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes.
Once the quinoa has absorbed all the water, remove it from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, covered.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.

Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the cubed butternut squash onto a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Toss the squash to ensure it’s evenly coated with the seasoning.
Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Make sure to flip the cubes halfway through roasting for even cooking.

Step 3: Toast the Pecans

While the squash is roasting, toast the pecans by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat.
Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant and golden. Once toasted, remove from the heat and chop them into small pieces.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and maple syrup. This combination adds a delightful balance of tang and sweetness to the salad. Set the dressing aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.

Drizzle the apple cider vinegar and maple syrup dressing over the salad.
Toss everything together gently to coat all the ingredients in the dressing.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish the salad by sprinkling fresh parsley on top. This adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

How to Serve Cosmic Quinoa Salad

This Cosmic Quinoa Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are a few ideas for serving:

As a Main Course: This salad can easily be enjoyed as a filling vegetarian or gluten-free main course, especially if you add grilled chicken, tofu, or another protein.
As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome and nutritious meal.
In a Meal Prep Bowl: Pack this salad in individual containers for a convenient and healthy meal prep option for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Storing Cosmic Quinoa Salad

The Cosmic Quinoa Salad is perfect for meal prepping and storing for later. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to meld together over time, so it only gets better the next day!
Avoid Storing Dressing with Salad: If you plan on storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Dress the salad just before serving.

Nutrition Information

This Cosmic Quinoa Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving:

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	8g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	6g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	3g
Sugars	12g
Sodium	200mg
Vitamin A	120% DV
Vitamin C	15% DV
Iron	10% DV
Calcium	8% DV