Are you ready to whip up a dish that’s both hearty and delicious? Let me introduce you to my Quinoa Salad with winter Veggies and Buffalo Chicken sausage! This recipe is packed with flavor, and it’s perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and cozy. plus, who doesn’t love a meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy? Let’s dive into the details!

Cook Time:

Prep Time:

Yields: 8

Calories: 669

Simple Ingredients for Hearty Quinoa Salad with Winter Veggies

Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful Quinoa Salad with Winter Veggies and Buffalo Chicken Sausage.The ingredients are simple yet full of flavor, making this dish not just nutritious but also incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

¾ cup uncooked quinoa: This protein-packed grain will give our salad a hearty base.
1 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Using broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the quinoa.
3 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness and helps to bring all the ingredients together.
6 links Buffalo chicken sausage (I prefer Dietz & Watson): These bring a spicy kick to the salad.
1 medium onion, diced: A must for that aromatic base.
2 cups butternut squash, cut into ½-inch cubes: This adds sweetness and a stunning pop of color.
1 cup shredded carrot: Adds crunch and a vibrant hue.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: This brightens everything up!
½ teaspoon ground cumin: A warm spice that complements the other flavors perfectly.
¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to season the dish.
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: For a bit of heat.
1 medium red bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness and color.
¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped: this is the finishing touch that gives freshness.

These ingredients come together to create a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for winter. I love how each component adds its own unique flavor and texture, making every bite a little different. Ready to cook? Let’s move on to the next step!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Quinoa Salad with Winter Veggies

Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious quinoa salad that’s bursting with flavor!

Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the ¾ cup uncooked quinoa and 1 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth. Bring it to a boil.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer.This should take about 12 to 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork when it’s done.

Sauté the sausage: While the quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Buffalo chicken sausage, cooking and stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5 minutes. Once browned, transfer it to a plate.

Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet,add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion softens. Next,add the butternut squash and shredded carrot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.

Create the dressing: In a large mixing bowl,whisk together 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice,the remaining olive oil,½ teaspoon ground cumin,¼ teaspoon salt,and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Combine everything: Add the fluffily cooked quinoa, the sausage, and the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything well to combine.

Chill: For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to two days if you want to prep ahead).Just before serving, stir in the chopped parsley for that fresh finish.

This simple process transforms ordinary ingredients into an remarkable dish. What a great way to enjoy a cozy, filling meal on a cold winter night!

Serving and Storage Data for Quinoa Salad with Winter Veggies

This Quinoa Salad with Winter Veggies and Buffalo Chicken Sausage is a versatile dish that makes for a perfect meal prep option. Whether you’re serving it warm or chilled, it’s a delightful addition to any table.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe yields about 8 servings,making it great for family gatherings or meal prep for the week. You can enjoy this salad as a main course or a hearty side dish. For a full meal,consider pairing it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. If you’re feeling adventurous, a spicy yogurt sauce can be a fantastic dipping option. Just mix some plain Greek yogurt with a splash of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and chili powder for an extra kick.

Storage Tips

To store leftover quinoa salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, give it a good stir. If the salad seems a little dry after being in the fridge,you can drizzle a bit of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh the flavors.

While it can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture of the veggies and quinoa may change after thawing. If you do choose to freeze it,I recommend leaving the fresh parsley out until you’re ready to serve the dish again.

This salad is not only easy to store but also tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s a perfect option for busy weekdays!

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Perfect Quinoa Salad

Making this Quinoa Salad with Winter Veggies is generally straightforward,but here are a few notes to help you succeed.

Cooking Tips

Quinoa rinsing: Make sure to rinse the quinoa under cold water before cooking. This removes the natural coating called saponin, which can make it taste bitter.
Consistent Veggie Size: When chopping your vegetables—like the butternut squash and carrots—aim for uniform size (about ½ inch) for even cooking and appealing presentation.

Common Issues

Quinoa Too Watery: If your quinoa ends up too watery after cooking, this might be due to using too much broth or not letting it simmer long enough. Just let it sit covered off the heat for 5 more minutes to absorb any excess liquid.
Sausage Texture: If the sausage isn’t browning, make sure your skillet is hot enough and not overcrowded. Give the sausages space so they can cook evenly.

Flavor adjustments

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a little more cumin or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a more zesty flavor, try adding extra lemon juice.

With these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing quinoa salad every time. Enjoy your cooking!