Celebrate Fall with a Flavourful Quinoa Mix

Happy Fall! As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like enjoying delicious seasonal food. This vibrant quinoa mix is a delightful way to embrace autumn flavours, making it perfect for any fall gathering or cozy dinner at home. With its colourful ingredients and refreshing taste, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Yield: 4-6 Servings 

1 Butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed  

1 Red onion, peeled and diced 

3–5 Cloves garlic, with peel still on 

1 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil (or any high-heat oil) 

Salt and pepper 

1 ½ Cups quinoa, rinsed 

3 Cups water 

Zest of one orange 

2 Cups fresh spinach, roughly-chopped 

½ Cup dried cranberries 

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss butternut squash, onion, and garlic cloves until they are evenly coated with oil. Spread them out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  
3. Roast the vegetables for 30 minutes, or until soft. Set aside and discard the garlic peels. 
4. Meanwhile, stir together quinoa, water, and orange zest in a saucepan, and cook according to package instructions. When cooked, set aside. 
5. Add the cooked veggies, quinoa, spinach, and cranberries to a large mixing bowl, and gently toss to combine. Serve warm. 

Nutritional Information (per serving)  

320 calories, 63g carbohydrates (9g fibre, 15g sugar), 8g protein, 5g fat (0.5g saturated, 0g trans, 4.5g unsaturated), 215mg sodium 

Recipe adapted from Gimme Some Oven and approved by Emma Minden, Registered Dietitian, Wholesome Kids Catering.