Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries is a delightful dish that beautifully embodies the flavors of fall. This vibrant salad not only impresses with its colorful ingredients but also offers a healthy and satisfying option for various occasions, from casual gatherings to festive dinners. The combination of nutritious grains, roasted vegetables, and the sweet tanginess of cranberries makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to embrace the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with wholesome ingredients like quinoa, farro, and kale, this salad provides essential vitamins and minerals.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal cooking time, you can whip up this salad with ease.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it complements any meal beautifully.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of roasted butternut squash and tart cranberries creates a delicious contrast that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or holiday feasts.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries, you’ll need some essential tools. Having these handy will make your preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Large pot
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife allows for easy chopping of vegetables and herbs, ensuring even pieces that cook uniformly.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl gives you enough space to combine all your ingredients without making a mess, allowing for easy tossing and mixing.

this recipe

Ingredients

A vibrant salad that captures the essence of fall with nutritious grains, roasted vegetables, and a hint of sweetness from cranberries.

For the Grains

• Quinoa: 1 cup (uncooked)
• Farro: 1 cup (uncooked)

For the Vegetables & Fruits

• Dried cranberries: 1/2 cup
• Butternut squash: 2 cups (peeled and diced)
• Kale: 2 cups (chopped, stems removed)

For the Toppings

• Walnuts: 1/2 cup (chopped)
• Feta cheese: 1 cup (crumbled)

For the Dressing

• Olive oil: 3 tablespoons (divided)
• Maple syrup: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: to taste
• Pepper: to taste

How to Make Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries

Step 1: Cook the Grains

1. Rinse the quinoa and farro under cold water.
2. Cook them in separate pots according to package instructions until tender.

Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 3: Prepare the Kale

1. In a large mixing bowl, massage the chopped kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt until softened.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Once cooked, add the quinoa and farro to the bowl with kale.
2. Stir in the roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 6: Serve Your Salad

1. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
2. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
3. Serve warm or at room temperature for beautiful flavors!

How to Serve Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries

Serving the Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries can elevate any meal. This vibrant salad pairs well with a variety of dishes and can be enjoyed warm or cold.

With Grilled Chicken

• Grilled chicken adds a protein boost and complements the salad’s flavors perfectly.

As a Main Dish

• Serve it as the star of your meal, allowing its hearty grains and veggies to shine.

With a Slice of Bread

• Accompany the salad with crusty whole-grain bread for a satisfying meal.

Topped with Avocado

• Adding sliced avocado introduces creaminess and enhances the nutritional value of your dish.

At Room Temperature

• This salad is great for potlucks or gatherings, served at room temperature for easy sharing.

How to Perfect Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries

To make your Autumn Harvest Grain Salad even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
• Customize Your Grains: Feel free to mix in other grains like barley or bulgur for added variety.
• Add Seasonal Spices: Incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg can bring out the autumn flavors even more.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the salad a day in advance; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Experiment with Nuts: Try using pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries

Pairing side dishes with your Autumn Harvest Grain Salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   These crispy sprouts add a savory bite that complements the sweetness of cranberries.

2. Maple Glazed Carrots
   Sweet carrots glazed in maple syrup echo the flavors in your salad, making them a delightful addition.

3. Stuffed Acorn Squash
   Filled with quinoa, nuts, and spices, they mirror the grain component while offering rich flavors.

4. Herbed Quinoa
   A simple side of herbed quinoa provides additional texture without overshadowing the main dish.

5. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
   These fries offer a fun crunch and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the salad’s ingredients.

6. Apple and Walnut Slaw
   A crunchy slaw adds freshness and pairs well with both apples and walnuts, enhancing autumn vibes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a salad might seem simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture of your Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries.

• Using dry grains: If you skip rinsing quinoa and farro, you may end up with a bitter taste. Rinse them under cold water to remove any residue.
• Overcooking vegetables: Roasting butternut squash for too long can make it mushy. Aim for a tender yet firm texture by checking after 25 minutes.
• Not seasoning adequately: A lack of seasoning can leave your salad bland. Don’t forget to season each component, especially the kale and grains.
• Skipping the dressing: A salad without dressing can be dry and unappetizing. Make sure to whisk together the dressing ingredients for a well-balanced flavor.
• Ignoring serving temperature: Serving this salad cold or straight from the fridge can dull its flavors. Serve it warm or at room temperature for the best experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.

Freezing Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to making and enjoying the Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries.

Can I customize my Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables or nuts according to your taste preferences.

What grains can I use besides quinoa and farro?

You can substitute with bulgur, barley, or even brown rice if you prefer different textures.

How do I make this salad vegan?

Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve.

What are some good pairings for this salad?

This vibrant salad pairs well with grilled chicken or roasted turkey, making it an excellent side dish for gatherings.

Final Thoughts

The Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences. Try incorporating different veggies or nuts, making it perfect as a side dish or a hearty main course!

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Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Experience the flavors of fall with our Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries, a vibrant and nutritious dish that perfectly captures the essence of the season. This delightful salad features a blend of wholesome grains, roasted butternut squash, and the sweet-tartness of cranberries, creating a colorful medley that is as satisfying as it is healthy. Ideal for casual dinners or festive gatherings, this salad can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals from quinoa, farro, and kale, it promises to nourish your body while tantalizing your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
• 1 cup farro (uncooked)
• 2 cups butternut squash (peeled and diced)
• 2 cups kale (chopped, stems removed)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa and farro under cold water. Cook each according to package instructions until tender.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
3. In a large bowl, massage kale with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt until softened.
4. Add cooked quinoa and farro to the kale bowl along with roasted squash, cranberries, and walnuts.
5. Whisk remaining olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; pour over salad and toss gently.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Experiment by adding seasonal spices like cinnamon for extra warmth. Substitute grains like barley or brown rice for variation. Prepare ahead of time to allow flavors to meld beautifully.