Blueberry, Arugula and Butternut Squash Quinoa

This butternut squash quinoa is one of those fun recipes that bridges the seasons. Blueberries are still on stores shelves, but can be picked up frozen in the cooler months. Earthy butternut squash is just heading into peak season, but likewise, is available pretty much year round. Enjoy it as a holiday side, light vegetarian meal, or for lunch boxes.

For a more convenient butternut squash quinoa, the squash can usually be purchased pre-cubed in the refrigerated section of supermarkets (it can be a bear to cut!). Also, if you are looking for more of a summer salad than a warm side, simply chill the butternut squash quinoa for a few hours.

If arugula isn’t readily available, baby spinach leaves can also be substituted. If you prefer wilted greens, add them to the quinoa while it is still hot or warm.

Special Diet Notes: Butternut Squash Quinoa

By ingredients, this recipes is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, optionally nut-free, peanut-free, optionally soy-free, vegan, vegetarian, and generally food allergy-friendly.

Blueberry, Arugula and Butternut Squash Quinoa

 

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Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

45 mins

Total time

1 hour

 

Author: Blueberries from Chile

Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 cup raw quinoa, rinsed well
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cups baby arugula
• 1½ cups Chilean blueberries
• Dairy-free crumbly cheese alternative (such as nut cheese or soy feta), optional

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss squash with 1 tablespoon of oil. Spread on rimmed baking sheet; bake until tender, about 22 minutes. Let cool.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water to a boil; simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and cover; let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork. Let cool.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
5. In a large bowl combine the cooked squash, green onions, arugula, blueberries, and quinoa. Drizzle with dressing; toss to combine. If desired, crumble with a little dairy-free cheese alternative.

Notes

Quinoa should be easy to find at your local supermarket but if not, couscous makes a perfect substitute.

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