Roasted Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, omit for a vegan version)
• 1 fig, diced
• 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the sweet potato cubes with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Be sure to flip them once during cooking.
3. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and chopped parsley.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly.
7. If you’re using feta cheese, crumble it and sprinkle it over the top of the salad.
8. Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant and slightly browned. Sprinkle them over the salad for added crunch.
9. Decorate with the diced figs
10. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as a side dish.

This Roasted Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad is a healthy, filling, and delicious option for a vegetarian meal. It’s rich in nutrients and flavors!