Dive into a world of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients with our Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Bulgur and Tahini Dressing! This Middle Eastern-inspired dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a delightful blend of textures and nutrients. Imagine perfectly roasted butternut squash, paired with fluffy bulgur and drizzled with a creamy tahini dressing that will leave you craving more. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a stunning addition to your next gathering, this salad is a showstopper. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let's get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel the butternut squash and cut into 1-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are roughly uniform in size for even roasting.
- Toss the cubed squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are golden brown and squash is tender.
- While squash is roasting, prepare the bulgur wheat. Combine 1 cup bulgur with 2 cups of boiling water in a heat-resistant bowl. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes until water is absorbed and bulgur is tender.
- For the tahini dressing, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Once bulgur is cooked, fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash and bulgur wheat.
- Drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Uniform Cubes: When cutting the butternut squash, aim for 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting. This will help achieve that perfect caramelization on all sides!
- Monitor Roasting: Keep an eye on the squash while it roasts. Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust the time slightly. Look for golden brown edges and a tender texture.
- Bulgur Prep: For the bulgur, using boiling water is key. Make sure to cover it tightly to trap the steam, which helps it cook evenly and absorb all the water.
- Tahini Consistency: If your tahini is too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency for the dressing. This will make it easier to drizzle over the salad.
- Garnishing: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor. Don’t skip this step for that fresh finish!
- Serving Temperature: This salad can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Feel free to prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld together!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
