Roasted Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad

This Roasted Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad is a celebration of fall flavors and textures, perfect for harvest season gatherings or wholesome lunches. Cubes of butternut squash are roasted with maple syrup and smoked paprika until caramelized and tender. They're tossed with fluffy quinoa, massaged kale or arugula, crunchy pecans, tart dried cranberries, and creamy crumbled feta (optional for vegan). The salad is brought together with a luxurious, dairy-free maple-tahini dressing that's rich, tangy, and slightly sweet. Packed with vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein, this salad is substantial enough to be a main course and is excellent for meal prep, as the flavors improve overnight. It's a visually stunning, nutrient-dense dish that embodies cozy, healthy eating.