looking for a fall inspired salad or entree with plenty of warm spices ? This hearty salad can be served as an entree of side salad.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. LIne sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Peel and dice honeynut squash and place in a bowl. Add olive oil , cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and chili powder, toss to combine. Place seasoned squash on prepared sheet pan in a single layer. Bake for 20-30 minutes until squash is tender and slightly crispy on the outside. Turn squash 1 time during cooking to ensure even browning.
Remove squash from oven and set aside. Place cooked quinoa, scallions, pears and walnuts into a medium sized mixing bowl. Add squash to bowl and toss gently.
To prepare dressing, place olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, dijon and salt into a small blender and blend until emulsified. Taste and adjust as needed.
Pour dressing over quinoa mixture and add freshly chopped parsley leaves and stems, stir to combine, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Top with crumbled feta cheese if adding.