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Autumn Harvest Grain Salad

Cozy Up with Autumn Harvest Grain Salad and Cranberries

This Autumn Harvest Grain Salad is a vibrant mix of quinoa, farro, and roasted butternut squash, celebrating the flavors of fall.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 cup quinoa substitute with brown rice or barley for variety
  • 1 cup farro barley can be a great alternative
For the Flavor
  • 1 cup dried cranberries fresh cranberries can be used for more tartness
  • 1 medium butternut squash sweet potatoes or roasted beets are excellent substitutions
For the Greens
  • 4 cups kale use spinach or Swiss chard if preferred
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup walnuts pecans or almonds work well for those with nut allergies
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup feta cheese omit or switch to a plant-based cheese for vegan options
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil consider avocado oil as a substitute
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup using honey or agave syrup can cater to different dietary needs
  • salt adjust to suit your taste
  • pepper adjust to suit your taste

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • baking sheet
  • large mixing bowl
  • fine-mesh strainer
  • small bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Rinse 1 cup each of quinoa and farro under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then add the quinoa. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. For farro, use 3 cups of water, cooking uncovered for 30-40 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash, toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add 4 cups of chopped kale. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Combine cooked quinoa, farro, roasted squash, 1 cup dried cranberries, and 1 cup chopped walnuts with the kale.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 10gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store undressed salad in the fridge for up to 3 days. Dress just before serving.

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