Name: Autumn Harvest Grain Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups sweet potatoes (cubed); 2 cups Brussels sprouts (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled); Salt and pepper to taste

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The Autumn Harvest Grain Salad is like a warm hug in a bowl, bursting with the flavors of roasted veggies and crunchy nuts. Picture this: vibrant colors dancing on your plate, a medley of textures that playfully mingle together, and aromas that whisper, “Come eat me!” It’s the perfect dish for cozy gatherings, a potluck, or just to impress your taste buds while binge-watching your favorite series. sweet roasted kabocha squash nutty wild rice pilaf.

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Essential Ingredients
Let’s Make it Together
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Add Your Touch
Storing & Reheating
FAQ
What grains work best in an Autumn Harvest Grain Salad?
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
What can I add to enhance the flavor profile?
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This salad holds a special place in my heart as I first made it during a crisp fall day. My friends were skeptical at first, but their faces lit up with joy after the first bite. This dish became our go-to for autumn feasts, proving that healthy can be deliciously fun! The anticipation builds as you prepare this delightful salad; trust me, it’s a flavor experience you won’t want to miss! For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Autumn Harvest Grain Salad is super easy to prepare and makes meal prep fun
You can mix and match ingredients based on what’s in season
Its vibrant colors make it a showstopper at any gathering
Enjoy it warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion

One Thanksgiving, I brought this salad to the family dinner and received rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Quinoa: Packed with protein and fiber; it’s the star of the grain world.
Sweet Potatoes: Roast them until they’re tender and caramelized for that sweet kick.
Brussels Sprouts: Thinly sliced for crunch; they add a delightful bitterness that balances sweetness.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries add a pop of color and tartness; look for ones without added sugar.
Pumpkin Seeds: These little guys provide an earthy crunch; toast them lightly for extra flavor.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil enhances flavors; choose extra virgin for the best taste.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens everything up; don’t skip this zesty addition!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; use goat cheese if you’re feeling adventurous!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Start by prepping your ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you peel and chop sweet potatoes into cubes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well-coated.

Roast the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes until they’re golden brown and tender: Keep an eye on them—they should be caramelized but not burnt!

While those beauties are roasting: rinse your quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating called saponin. Cook it according to package instructions—typically about 15 minutes—until fluffy.

Now onto the Brussels sprouts!: Slice them thinly and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on another baking sheet and roast alongside the sweet potatoes for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.

Once everything is roasted to perfection: let it cool slightly before combining all ingredients in a large bowl. Add dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds for that crunchy contrast.

For the dressing: whisk together olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice until emulsified. Drizzle it over your salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Finally: sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top like confetti. Serve your Autumn Harvest Grain Salad warm or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way! Enjoy every bite as you welcome autumn’s flavors into your home! colorful beet salad.

You Must Know

This delightful Autumn Harvest Grain Salad is a culinary celebration of seasonal produce, perfect for cozy gatherings
The eclectic mix of grains and roasted veggies creates a colorful and flavorful dish that’s not just good for you but also an eye-catcher at any table

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting the veggies while cooking the grains; this maximizes flavor and efficiency for a perfect salad.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with different grains like quinoa or farro, and toss in nuts or dried fruits for added texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; cold salads taste even better the next day.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always rinse your grains before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring they remain fluffy
Roasting vegetables enhances their natural sweetness, adding depth to your salad
A splash of lemon juice just before serving brightens up the flavors beautifully!

Creating this Autumn Harvest Grain Salad reminds me of that one Thanksgiving where everyone brought their A-game. creamy cauliflower gratin I made this salad, and my aunt said it was the best she had ever tasted—talk about pressure for next year!

FAQ

What grains work best in an Autumn Harvest Grain Salad?

For more inspiration, check out this Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad recipe.

Quinoa, farro, or barley are excellent choices that provide different textures and flavors.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better when prepared a day in advance as flavors meld beautifully.

What can I add to enhance the flavor profile?

Try adding feta cheese, nuts, or a tangy vinaigrette for a delicious twist on your salad!

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