Warm Quinoa and Butternut Sqash Salad

The quinoa provides a complete protein to this vitamin rich salad. The walnuts provide a crunchiness that makes it so delicious! Enjoy!

3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into small cubes

1 cup baby spinach, chopped
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1 vidalia or sweet white onion, cut into small chunks
2 Tbsp (30 mL) fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup prewashed quinoa

1 cup water or vegetable broth (low sodium)

Dressing
1 tbsp sunflower or canola oil
Lemon juice
Salt& freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine squash, onion, garlic and thyme with a little olive oil and salt & pepper. Toss into a baking sheet and roast until tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, bring one cup of water or veggie broth to a boil. Add quinoa and reduce heat to low; cook, covered, for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes & then fluff with a fork. Transfer to a salad bowl.
   
3. Drizzle with 1 tbsp oil and the juice of one lemon. Stir onions, squash and spinach into quinoa.Toss in walnuts. Season to taste.