Golden Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash (Printable)

Vibrant bowl with caramelized squash, quinoa, crisp veggies, and tangy honey-lime dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Roasted Butternut Squash

01 - 1 large butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons honey
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Quinoa

08 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
09 - 2 cups vegetable broth or water
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Bowl Assembly

11 - 2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
14 - 1/3 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
15 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

→ Honey-Lime Drizzle

16 - 2 tablespoons honey
17 - 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
18 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
19 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
20 - Pinch of salt and black pepper

# Step-by-step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, honey, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Arrange squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and caramelized.
04 - Combine rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
05 - Whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
06 - Divide quinoa evenly among four bowls. Top each with roasted butternut squash, chopped spinach or kale, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pumpkin seeds. Add feta cheese if desired.
07 - Drizzle honey-lime dressing over each bowl just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The squash gets crispy edges and a honeyed center that tastes richer than it has any right to be.
  • Everything cooks at once, so youre not stuck waiting around or juggling ten pans.
  • Its filling enough to be dinner but light enough that you wont feel weighed down after.
02 -
  • If the squash isnt browning, your oven might not be hot enough or the pieces are too close together.
  • Quinoa gets mushy if you add too much liquid, stick to a 2 to 1 ratio and youll be fine.
  • The drizzle thickens as it sits, so whisk in a tiny bit of water if it gets too stiff.
03 -
  • Cut the squash into similar-sized pieces so everything roasts evenly, uneven cubes mean some burn while others stay pale.
  • Let the quinoa rest covered after cooking, it finishes steaming and gets fluffier that way.
  • Taste the drizzle before you pour it, every lime is different and you might need more honey or salt.
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