Harvest Grain Salad with Butternut Squash and Citrus Vinaigrette
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this delightful Harvest Grain Salad that combines the nutty richness of hard red winter wheat berries with roasted butternut squash, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh parsley. Finished with a vibrant orange vinaigrette that elevates the dish with citrusy brightness, this salad is perfect as a side or a light main course. It's a nourishing, fiber-packed dish that embodies the spirit of the season, making it a must-try for autumn gatherings and meal prep.
N/A
Servings
220
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
hard red winter wheat berries
1 1/2 cups (rinsed)
water
3 cups (for cooking wheat berries)
butternut squash
2 cups (peeled and diced)
extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
orange zest
zest of 1 large orange
orange juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
dried cranberries
3/4 cup
almonds
1/4 cup (sliced (optional))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
34g
Carbs
6g
Protein
6g
Fiber
6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary grains used in the Harvest Grain Salad?
The salad uses hard red winter wheat berries as its base grain.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving of the salad contains 220 calories.
Is this Harvest Grain Salad vegan?
Yes, the recipe uses plant-based ingredients including maple syrup and olive oil, making it vegan-friendly.
What type of squash is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two cups of peeled and diced butternut squash.
How much fiber is provided in one serving?
One serving of this salad provides 6 grams of dietary fiber.
What is the protein content of this grain salad?
There are 6 grams of protein in each serving of this dish.
What ingredients make up the citrus vinaigrette?
The dressing is made from orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and pure maple syrup.
Are there any nuts included in the recipe?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of sliced almonds as an optional ingredient for added crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
No, wheat berries are a whole grain form of wheat and contain gluten.
What provides the sweet flavor in this salad?
Sweetness comes from the addition of dried cranberries and pure maple syrup.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 10 ingredients, including the optional almonds.
What fresh herbs are required?
The salad uses 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Can this salad be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as a meal prep dish and holds up well for later consumption.
What is the ratio of water to wheat berries for cooking?
Use 3 cups of water for every 1 1/2 cups of hard red winter wheat berries.
How is the butternut squash prepared?
The squash should be peeled and diced, then roasted to bring out its flavor.
What type of oil is recommended for the dressing?
Extra-virgin olive oil is the recommended fat for the vinaigrette.
How much orange juice is needed for the citrus dressing?
You will need 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Is this salad considered a side dish or a main course?
It is versatile enough to be served as a nourishing side dish or a light main course.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 8 grams of fat in one serving of the salad.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains 34 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the sugar content per serving?
The salad contains 6 grams of sugar per serving.
Does this recipe use orange zest?
Yes, it uses the zest of one large orange to provide citrusy brightness.
What type of wheat berries should I buy?
The recipe specifically recommends hard red winter wheat berries for their nutty richness.
How much parsley is included?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Is the maple syrup necessary?
Maple syrup is used to balance the citrus in the vinaigrette, though it can be adjusted to taste.
What season is this salad best suited for?
It is designed to celebrate the flavors of fall and autumn.
Are the cranberries fresh or dried?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of dried cranberries.
Does the recipe contain any cholesterol?
Based on the plant-based ingredients, this recipe contains no cholesterol.
How much olive oil is used in the whole recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, divided between roasting and the dressing.
What makes the vinaigrette vibrant?
The combination of fresh orange juice and zest gives the dressing its vibrant, citrusy profile.