Spicy Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese and Lentil Salad

Hubby and I have been on a big lentil kick. They’re so easy to make, great for you, and delicious. I saw this salad recently on Smitten Kitchen and knew I needed to make it this week. I used the lentils I had on hand, so I didn’t get the pretty black and orange salad that Deb got, but that’s ok, it’s still pretty freaking awesome.

Hubby and I really enjoyed this salad. It’s very hearty and filling. We ate it for a midafternoon snack and almost didn’t need dinner that night. I’ve written the recipe as I made it below, be sure to click through to Smitten Kitchen to get the original recipe.

This is unfortunately one of those dishes that is difficult to get a great photo of… But it’s really good so I had to post about it. Don’t hate on lentils just because they’re not pretty!

One Year Ago: Apple Cranberry Cake Pie
Two Years Ago: Pie Crust

Print Save

Spicy Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese, and Lentil Salad

Yield: 3-6

Ingredients:

3/4 cup black or green lentils
6 cups peeled, seeded and cubed butternut squash or sugar pumpkin (1-inch cubes)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup soft crumbled goat cheese
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, plus additional to taste
~1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss squash with 2 tablespoons oil, cumin, paprika and salt. Arrange in a single layer on baking sheet and roast 20 minutes. Flip pieces and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until tender. Cool.

Meanwhile, soak lentils for 10 minutes in a small bowl, then drain. Cook lentils in boiling salted water until tender but firm, about 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water, then drain and cool.

Combine lentils, squash, half of goat cheese, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper and extra vinegar, if desired. Serve with remaining goat cheese to sprinkle.

Recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen, originally from Bon Appetit


Boston area readers, don’t forget that I’m selling pies for Pie In the Sky. The cost of your pie will feed someone in need for an entire week! Please consider buying a pie for a good cause.

    Pin It

13 Responses to “Pomegranate Cranberry Quinoa Salad”

  1. #
    1
    Smitten Sugar — January 20, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    I just made Quinoa for the first time myself this week. Love the addition of pomegranate. I will have to try it out!

  2. #
    2
    Evan Thomas — January 20, 2011 at 5:27 pm

    I love quinoa! Never tried it with these ingredients. Great recipe!

  3. #
    3
    Chelsea — January 20, 2011 at 5:31 pm

    I love quinoa, especially in breakfast form! Never had it with pomegranates, yay!

  4. #
    4
    The Small Boston Kitchen — January 20, 2011 at 5:36 pm

    Glad you liked! It’s one of my favorites. Also packages up really nicely for a healthy take-to-work lunch!

  5. #
    5
    Fun and Fearless in Beantown — January 20, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    I adore quinoa because it is so healthy and so filling!

  6. #
    6
    ErinsFoodFiles — January 20, 2011 at 7:15 pm

    Yum yum yum! What a yummy looking quinoa dish! I love quinoa, so if you’re looking to find more quinoa recipes, feel free to browse my blog. 🙂

  7. #
    7
    Sarah @ Semi-Sweet — January 20, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    I love the versatility of quinoa – once you start cooking with it, it’s hard to stop . . . we think it makes a great breakfast, too! Warmed with milk, fruit & a little maple syrup or agave? Energy for the day!

  8. #
    8
    Nisrine|Dinners and Dreams — January 20, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    I love a good quinoa recipe. This one sounds worth a try.

  9. #
    9
    Shannon — January 21, 2011 at 1:47 am

    LOVE quinoa and poms 🙂 this looks like a delicious way to enjoy both ingredients!!

  10. #
    10
    Daisy — January 21, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    don’t worry, I am officially the last one.

  11. #
    11
    Megan — January 21, 2011 at 10:43 pm

    I’m glad you tried it! I love quinoa. I think it’s second to Israeli couscous in my book. And pomegranates — love them. This sounds delicious!

  12. #
    12
    kitchenmisfit — January 23, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    I am surprised by the chicken stock! It seems like it should be a sweet dish. I love quinoa and my husband does too!

  13. #
    13
    Cheryl — January 24, 2011 at 7:22 pm

    I have been reading about quinoa the “superfood” and how good it is for us. I bought some awhile back but hadn’t used it so I decided to try your recipe. OMG! I love it! I didn’t have pomegranate seeds and instead of almonds I used toasted pecans and also added orange zest. I will be using quinoa a lot now. Thanks!

Leave a Comment