Thai Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

By Dani Potts | August 6, 2025

Total time: 45 mins, Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

Salad:

  • 4 heaping cups Butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 packed cups kale, stemmed and roughly chopped 
  • 1.5 cups red or green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons basil leaves, chopped

Optional: 1 avocado peeled and sliced or cubed

Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons tahini or peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons sweet red chili sauce or sub red chili flakes and honey
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoons ginger, freshly grated
  • ¼ cup avocado oil
  • Salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Toss squash in 2 Tbsp. olive oil and kosher salt; spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until the squash is tender and lightly browned.
  2. Meanwhile, combine quinoa and broth in a small saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and gently simmer until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
  3. Prepare Creamy Ginger Dressing by combining all ingredients except oil in a small bowl; stir to combine. Gently stream in oil, whisking constantly, until dressing is smooth. 
  4. Add kale to bowl with quinoa, and toss to combine (the residual heat of the quinoa will help soften the kale leaves). Add cabbage, bell pepper, and butternut squash. Season ingredients with a pinch of salt. Add dressing and gently toss to combine. Stir in peanuts and fresh basil, and garnish with avocado (if using).

BENEFITS

Butternut squash is a vibrant, nutrient-dense vegetable packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. It’s especially rich in vitamin A (from beta-carotene), which supports immune function and eye health, and also provides a good dose of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. Naturally sweet and low in calories, butternut squash is a heart-healthy choice that can help support blood pressure, digestion, and inflammation. Its complex carbs and fiber make it a satisfying addition to meals, helping to promote steady energy and fullness.