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Hi everyone, Today I am honored to share a new fall favorite recipe with you, Caramelized Apple and Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad. I originally shared this recipe over at The Fountain Avenue Kitchen earlier this month. If you have never stopped by The Fountain Avenue Kitchen, I highly encourage you to. Ann has delicious and healthy recipes for the whole family and she is one of my best foodie friends. So with that said you have to stop by and say hi, I know she would love to meet you. This quick and easy recipe blends wonderfully with Ann's Spiced Rub Chicken and Everything Sauce, which my family absolutely adores. I am very excited to share this recipe with you, so let's get started...
Caramelized Apple and Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups butternut squash diced into bite size pieces
- 3 cups apples 2 medium size apples, diced into bite size pieces
- 4 TBSP butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 4 cups quinoa cooked
- 2 cups toasted chopped pecans for garnish (separate directions below)
Instructions
- First rinse butternut squash and dry. Pierce the butternut squash with a knife in multiple places all around the squash. Place on a paper towel and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes. Just enough to soften the squash so you can comfortably cut, slice, and peel without struggling.
- Once the butternut squash is done peel, cut open, clean out center, and dice into bite size pieces.
- Next, peel (optional) and core apples. Dice apples into bite size pieces
- In a large saute pan melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced apples and butternut squash.
- Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt over the mixture.
- Combine all ingredients and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off heat, cover with lid and let the mixture sit for another 5-7 minutes.
- In a large serving bowl gently combine the caramelized apples and butternut squash with the quinoa. Garnish with toasted pecans and best if served warm.
For toasting pecans:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly spread 2 cups of chopped pecans on baking sheet.
- Mist with cooking oil and toast for 5-10 minutes, stirring half way through. (cooking time may vary)
Notes
If you are looking for more ways to prepare quinoa salad check out our recipe for Black Bean and Corn Quinoa Salad.
Ann
FABULOUS recipe! Thanks so much for sharing it over my way and for the most thoughtful comments!
Audra
Thank you, Ann! It was a pleasure sharing this over at your place 😉 Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Sonia
Looks so good! I'm always on the lookout for new quinoa salad variations and this one looks like a perfect new addition.
Audra
Thank you, Sonia! I will have to admit I am hooked to this recipe 🙂 I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen
This looks delicious Audra! I absolutely love quinoa!! Have a happy Thanksgiving!!
Audra
Thank you, Renee, and a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family 🙂
michelle
Do you cook 4 cups of quin0a or 1 1/2 cups? It's a little confusing as written. Also, do you cook the quinoa with the apples and squash, or do you cook the quinoa by itself first?