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Thai Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
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5 from 48 votes

Thai Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad (Vegan)

Thai Quinoa Salad with butternut squash, kale, and creamy ginger dressing. This easy quinoa salad recipe is vegan, gluten free, and perfect for meal prep lunches.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main, Salad
Cuisine: American, Thai
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients

  • 4 heaping cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 packed cups kale, stemmed and roughly chopped (lacinato or green curly kale)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded red/purple cabbage
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 3 Tbsp. fresh chopped basil leaves
  • 1 avocado, peeled and sliced or cubed (optional)

Creamy Ginger Dressing

  • 2 Tbsp. tahini (or peanut butter)
  • 2 Tbsp. lime juice
  • 2 Tbsp. sweet red chili sauce (I use Thai Kitchen brand)
  • 1 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tsp. fish sauce (sub tamari or soy sauce)
  • 1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil (or neutral oil of choice)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400ºF. Toss squash in 2 Tbsp. olive oil and kosher salt; spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until the squash is tender and lightly browned.
  • Meanwhile, combine quinoa and broth in a small saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and gently simmer until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Prepare Creamy Ginger Dressing by combining all ingredients except oil in a small bowl; stir to combine. Gently stream in oil, whisking constantly, until dressing is smooth.
  • Add kale to bowl with quinoa, and toss to combine (the residual heat of the quinoa will help soften the kale leaves). Add cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and butternut squash. Season ingredients with a pinch of salt. Add dressing and gently toss to combine. Stir in peanuts and fresh basil, and garnish with avocado (if using).

Notes

This salad can be enjoyed warm, chilled, or at room temperature. Enjoy as a stand alone meal, or paired with tofu, salmon, or chicken. 
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Sodium: 660mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 12g