Golden Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash (Print Version)

Caramelized butternut squash paired with quinoa, fresh greens, and a bright honey-lime dressing for a hearty meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Roasted Butternut Squash

01 - 1 large butternut squash (approximately 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons honey
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Quinoa

08 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
09 - 2 cups vegetable broth or water
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Bowl Assembly

11 - 2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
14 - 1/3 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
15 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

→ Honey-Lime Drizzle

16 - 2 tablespoons honey
17 - 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
18 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
19 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
20 - Pinch of salt and black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, honey, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and caramelized.
04 - Combine rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth (or water), and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes; fluff with a fork.
05 - Whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
06 - Divide the cooked quinoa evenly among four bowls. Top with roasted butternut squash, chopped spinach or kale, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and pumpkin seeds. Add crumbled feta cheese if desired.
07 - Drizzle each bowl with the honey-lime dressing just before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The honey and cinnamon create crispy caramelized edges on the squash that taste like dessert but belong in dinner.
  • Everything cooks at once, so youre not stuck hovering over the stove for an hour.
  • It holds up beautifully as leftovers and actually tastes better the next day when the flavors settle.
02 -
  • Don't skip flipping the squash halfway through roasting or the bottom pieces will burn while the top stays pale.
  • Let the quinoa rest covered after cooking, lifting the lid too early releases the steam it needs to finish softening.
  • Add the dressing right before serving or the greens will wilt into sad little puddles.
03 -
  • Roast extra squash and freeze it in portions, it reheats perfectly and cuts your prep time in half next time.
  • Toast your pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet for two minutes before adding them, the flavor deepens and they get even crunchier.
  • Make a double batch of the honey-lime drizzle and keep it in the fridge, it's incredible on grain bowls, salads, and even roasted carrots.
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