Holiday Favorite: Spiced Quinoa & Roasted Vegetable Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and cubed
• 2 beets, peeled and cubed
• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeds removed and cubed
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the dressing:

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and add it to a medium saucepan with the water, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside to cool.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, toss the squash, beets, sweet potato, bell peppers, and onion with the olive oil. Spread the vegetables out on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Allow the vegetables to cool.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, chickpeas, parsley, mint, and cilantro.
6. Drizzle the dressing over the top of the salad and toss to coat.
7. Serve the salad immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

This spiced quinoa and roasted vegetable salad is a delicious and healthy option for your holiday menu. The combination of flavorful spices and nutritious vegetables makes for a satisfying and nourishing dish that is sure to be a hit with your guests. The homemade lemon dressing adds the perfect finishing touch to this delicious and festive salad. Enjoy!

Make magic out there <3

g