Description
This Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash is a vibrant and hearty dish perfect for fall.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (2-pound) butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups dry pearl couscous
- 3 heaping cups shredded kale or chopped baby spinach
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onions
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup toasted pecans
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 425ºF. Place the diced butternut squash on a baking sheet, toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Spread the squash in a single even layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the squash is tender and caramelized.
- While the squash is roasting, cook the pearl couscous according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling it in salted water until tender, then draining any excess water.
- In a mason jar, combine freshly squeezed orange juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, honey or maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Screw on the lid tightly and shake well until the dressing is emulsified and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, roasted butternut squash, shredded kale or baby spinach, thinly sliced red onions, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything well to coat evenly. Serve immediately or refrigerate portions with dressing separately for meal prep.
Notes
- Ideal as a light main course or a satisfying side.
- Easy to prepare in about 40 minutes.
- Serves four people.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg