Butternut Squash, Quinoa & Feta Salad
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY TERMS OF USE POLICY FOR MORE INFO.
This delicious salad comes together quickly and uses just a few key ingredients to create the perfect vegetarian main dish or a filling side dish. It is also a great option for meal prepping as this recipe can easily be multiplied and stored for a few days in the fridge.
Get Your FREE ebook: Top 10 Must-Try Mediterranean Diet Recipes + A Free Shopping List
Easy to Make and Full of Flavor
This recipe includes a few superfood ingredients worth highlighting:
Quinoa is gluten free, high in fiber, and helps keep cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check. It helps lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes and is filled with antioxidants, B vitamins, and iron. The high fiber content also helps prevent constipation.
Butternut squash is low in calories and makes a great lower-carb option in place of sweet potatoes. It is rich in vitamins A, C and E, high in potassium, high in fiber, and can help support healthy bones and prevent the development of chronic conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and heart disease. (reference)
Red onion contains quercetin, which decreases inflammation and boosts your immune system. It is also high in vitamin C (an antioxidant) and B vitamins including folate (B9) and pyridoxine (B6), which helps support red blood cell production and nerve function. (reference)
Feta cheese, when made with sheep’s milk, is high in calcium and phosphorus, which supports bone health. It supports a healthy gut with probiotics and is high in Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that has been found to prevent diabetes and some cancers. (reference)
Buying the Right Kind of Feta Cheese
When you go to the grocery store, you’ll notice that are a ton of different options for feta cheese. It can be confusing to know which ones are the best, so here are my tips on choosing authentic, high-quality feta:
Choose feta cheese that is made with sheep and goat’s milk - feta cheese is not really feta cheese if it is made with cow’s milk. There are a lot of brands out there today calling their cheese “feta” and using cow’s milk, so just take a look at the ingredients to be sure you are choosing authentic cheese.
Look for the label “Protected Designation of Origin” cheese. This label indicates that the cheese was made in a specific region (in this case Greece) using traditional methods.
Below is my favorite brand of feta that I buy at my local grocery store. You can also buy it in a case here on Amazon:
Don’t forget to pin it!
Prep Your Space:
For this recipe, you’ll need:
1-2 baking sheets
parchment paper
medium-sized saucepan with a lid
a large mixing bowl
Servings: 4 small servings (good for side dishes) or 2 large servings (perfect for a meal.)
Ingredients:
1 cup dry quinoa
2 cups water
3 cups butternut squash, diced
1 red onion, diced
3 Tablespoons avocado oil
4 oz. crumbled feta cheese
3 Tablespoons dried basil (or use fresh!)
Directions:
Cook the quinoa: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the quinoa, cover it with a lid, and turn the heat down to a simmer. Keep the lid on the pot and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes, until all of the water has been absorbed by the quinoa. Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
Roast the veggies: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, then spread out the diced butternut squash and red onion into a single layer. Drizzle with avocado oil and mix together with a spatula until the veggies are evenly coated with oil. Add more oil if needed. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until the squash is soft. Mix up halfway through for even roasting.
Finish the dish: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, and red onion. Add the crumbled feta and sprinkle with basil. Serve immediately or store in the fridge to enjoy later.
Nutrition (for 4 servings):
Calories: 320 | Total Fat: 16 g | Total Carb: 33 g | Protein: 12 g | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 6 g
Shop the Recipe:
Did you enjoy this recipe? Check out similar recipes here:
Massaged Kale, Pomegranate & Sunflower Seed Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
Start Eating Healthy with the Mediterranean Diet
If the Mediterranean diet is very different from how you have been eating, I HIGHLY recommend you follow a meal plan that has already been designed to help you be successful and quickly see results. The 30-Day Mediterranean Meal Plan I created includes everything you need to get started on the Mediterranean diet. It includes over 80 easy and delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks that you can simply follow along to and enjoy all the delicious flavors that come with the Mediterranean diet.
Once I learned how to eat a balanced Mediterranean diet, I quickly saw great results! By understanding what my body needed each day, I was able to set myself up for success and have maintained this healthy lifestyle for almost 3 years.
I want this for you too! If you are ready to fully benefit from the Mediterranean diet, I urge you to get started with my 30-day meal plan now while it’s the lowest price it will ever be! Click here to get started.
Choosing the right foods makes all the difference in how you feel. Even if you’re not yet ready to go all in, I have something that will help you make a step towards eating healthy and reaping the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet. Download my Top 10 Must-Try Mediterranean Diet Recipes ebook by using the form below to get instant access to this valuable resource. I have also included a Mediterranean Diet Shopping List to help you get started.
Get Your FREE ebook: Top 10 Must-Try Mediterranean Diet Recipes + A Free Shopping List
I have also put together a resource library containing my top recommended books, kitchen must-haves, supplements to support your health, and more! Click here to check it out!
Related Posts:
Discover More Delicious Recipes
Connect with me on Instagram
