Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Quinoa & Spiced Yogurt Dressing
This Roasted Pumpkin Quinoa Salad combines caramelized pumpkin, fluffy quinoa, fresh herbs, and a gently spiced yogurt dressing inspired by Mediterranean flavors. It’s warm-cold contrast, mildly spiced (aromatic, not hot), protein-rich, and perfect as a light meal or elegant side dish.
⏱️ Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
🧺 Ingredients
Roasted Pumpkin
2 cups pumpkin, cubed
1½ tbsp olive oil
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp paprika (sweet, not hot)
Salt to taste
Quinoa
½ cup dry quinoa
1 cup water
Pinch of salt
Spiced Yogurt Dressing
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp ground cinnamon (very light)
Salt to taste
Salad Add-Ins
2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts
Optional: pomegranate seeds or raisins
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Roast the Pumpkin
Preheat oven to 200°C. Toss pumpkin with olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, and salt. Roast for 25 minutes until golden and soft.
2. Cook the Quinoa
Rinse quinoa well. Cook with water and salt until fluffy. Cool slightly.
3. Prepare Spiced Yogurt
Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a bowl, combine quinoa and roasted pumpkin gently.
5. Finish & Serve
Drizzle with spiced yogurt, sprinkle herbs and seeds. Serve warm or room temperature.
💡 Tips & Variations
Add chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein
Swap pumpkin with butternut squash or sweet potato
Make it vegan using tahini-lemon sauce
Perfect for meal prep (keep yogurt separate)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this salad spicy?
No—only aromatic spices, no heat.
Q: Can I serve it cold?
Yes, it tastes great chilled too.
Q: Is it good for weight loss?
Yes—high fiber, balanced carbs, healthy fats.
🧮 Nutritional Information
Calories: ~340 kcal
Protein: ~14 g
Carbohydrates: ~38 g
Fiber: ~7 g
Fat: ~13 g