The Quintessential Quinoa Salad with Lentils and Delicata Squash

This wholesome and nutritious salad is a perfect blend of quinoa, lentils, and roasted delicata squash, offering a riot of flavors and textures. Rich in protein and fiber, this dish is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a healthy dinner.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
– 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
– 1 medium delicata squash, halved, seeded, and sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons tahini
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Quinoa and Lentils:
– In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
– In another saucepan, combine the lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.

2. Roast the Delicata Squash:
– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
– On a large baking sheet, toss the delicata squash slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Spread the squash in an even layer and roast for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden brown.

3. Assemble the Salad:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, lentils, roasted delicata squash, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and parsley.
– In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, tahini, minced garlic, and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
– If desired, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and garnish.

4. Serve:
– Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl and enjoy! This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it a versatile and delightful addition to any meal.