🥣 Delicata Squash Grain Bowl with Maple Dijon Dressing

🍁 A Cozy, Nourishing Fall Bowl

Move over, butternut — delicata squash is the real star of fall.
It’s sweet, nutty, and caramelizes beautifully when roasted (no peeling required 👏).
This vibrant grain bowl brings together roasted delicata, quinoa, crispy chickpeas, peppery arugula, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds — all tossed with a tangy-sweet maple Dijon dressing. Cozy, colorful, and nourishing in every bite.

🧺 Ingredients

For the Bowl

🥗 1 delicata squash, sliced into half-moons (seeds removed, skin on)
🌾 1 cup cooked quinoa
🧆 ½ cup chickpeas (roasted or canned, rinsed + dried)
🌿 1 cup arugula
🍒 ¼ cup dried cranberries
🎃 ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
🫒 Olive oil, salt + pepper

For the Maple Dijon Dressing

🍯 1½ tbsp maple syrup
🥄 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
🍋 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
🫙 2 tbsp Brightland salad olive oil
🧂 Salt + pepper to taste

🔥 Directions

1️⃣ Roast the squash:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss delicata slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a parchment-lined tray for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.

2️⃣ Prepare the quinoa + chickpeas:
Cook quinoa according to package instructions. If using canned chickpeas, pat dry and roast with a drizzle of oil and salt for about 15 minutes to crisp them up.

3️⃣ Make the dressing:
Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

4️⃣ Assemble the bowl:
Add quinoa and arugula to a large bowl, then top with roasted delicata squash, chickpeas, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with maple Dijon dressing and toss gently to combine.

🌿 Why You’ll Love It

✨ The perfect mix of cozy + fresh
✨ High in fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin C
✨ Vegan + gluten-free
✨ Works with any grain or legume — farro, brown rice, lentils — or swap in roasted veggies for a choose-your-own-adventure fall bowl 🍁

💫 Nutritional Benefits of Delicata Squash

💛 Rich in fiber → supports digestion and helps keep you full
🧡 High in beta carotene + vitamin C → immune and skin health
💚 Naturally low in calories and carbs → light yet satisfying
And the best part? The skin is edible, tender, and packed with antioxidants — no peeling necessary!

💬 Make It Your Own

– Add roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes for extra color.
– Sprinkle vegan feta or a drizzle of Brightland olive oil for richness.
– Serve warm or chilled for a perfect weekday lunch prep.

📸 Share It!

If you make this recipe, tag @kellysgreenkitchen_ — I’d love to see your version!