Nourishing Warm Quinoa Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Creamy Avocado, and Fresh Arugula (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

This vibrant and satisfying warm quinoa salad is a symphony of textures and flavors, packed with protein-rich quinoa, sweet roasted butternut squash, creamy avocado, and peppery fresh arugula leaves. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients and the unexpected paths life often takes.

From Finance to Food: An Unexpected Journey

I often find myself reflecting on the unpredictable tapestry of life. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the life I am living today: one spent largely in the heart of the kitchen, experimenting with countless variations of a single recipe, meticulously preparing ingredients for a dish (my beloved mise-en-place), stirring a wooden spoon in a simmering pot of risotto, or patiently crouching by the oven door, eagerly peering in to see if a fresh loaf of bread has finally risen to perfection.

Life, as I’ve come to understand and deeply appreciate, rarely follows the meticulously laid plans we create for ourselves, no matter how much of a control-freak or organized planner one might be. My own journey stands as a testament to this beautiful unpredictability.

When I embarked on my university studies in economics and finance, my vision of the future was starkly different. I pictured a life as a high-powered banker, based in the bustling metropolis of Singapore, seated at a polished desk in a towering office building in the city center. My days, I imagined, would be filled with the precise calculations of Excel spreadsheets and the crafting of compelling PowerPoint presentations, a world away from the fragrant chaos of a kitchen.

Somehow, destiny had other, far more enriching plans for me.

Instead of the Singapore skyline, I found myself relocating across the globe in 2010, trading one vibrant city for another. Today, I proudly call Buenos Aires – affectionately known as “the Paris of South America” – my cherished home. This city, with its rich European heritage, passionate tango, and incredible culinary scene, has captured my heart and become the backdrop to my creative endeavors.

As for my “office,” it’s far from the corporate cubicle I once envisioned. My workspace fluidly rotates between my small, sun-drenched, open-concept kitchen, where new recipes are born; my tranquil balcony, which doubles as my natural light studio for capturing captivating food photos; and my dining table, just a few meters away, which transforms into my work desk for image post-processing and article writing. It’s a dynamic, inspiring environment that truly nurtures my passion.

While the life I lead these days bears little resemblance to the blueprint I initially conceived, the profound joy of waking up each morning to work that I genuinely adore is never lost on me. This realization fills me with immense gratitude.

I recognize that it is an incredible luxury to be able to live a life I love, and to love the life I live. The freedom to attend a Pilates class at 3:30 pm on a Wednesday afternoon, rather than being confined to a rigid 9-to-5 office schedule, is just one of the many significant perks of this chosen path. This flexibility allows for a more holistic approach to well-being, fostering both creativity and personal health.

I am acutely aware that I have the privilege to practice and refine my writing, photography, and recipe development skills every single day. Even more remarkably, I get paid to do so – a blessing I cherish deeply. The opportunity to constantly learn, grow, and express myself through food and words is a gift that keeps on giving.

I often wonder how many people can truly say they do work they love and are passionate about, so each day, I am filled with profound gratitude for the life I have meticulously built and continue to shape.

Embracing an Abundance Mindset for a Fulfilling Life

A few weeks back, as the last vestiges of winter gave way to the gentle embrace of spring, I made a conscious decision to adopt an abundance mindset. This shift was prompted by a period where anxiety about certain aspects of my life and an inherent uncertainty about the future had begun to weigh heavily on me. I realized that my focus was too often on what I lacked, rather than on the wealth of opportunities and blessings already present.

Simply put, the abundance mindset is a powerful philosophy that centers on recognizing and appreciating the good things one already possesses. It’s rooted in the deep-seated belief that there is more than enough for everyone – enough joy, enough success, enough resources, and enough love to go around. This stands in stark contrast to the scarcity mindset, which views every situation as a win-lose scenario, driven by the fear that there isn’t enough “pie” for everyone to have a slice.

Despite those fleeting moments of apprehension about the unknown, I made a firm decision to wholeheartedly believe that the best is truly yet to come. This positive affirmation became my guiding principle.

And while the year had already unfolded in amazing ways, I held a deep conviction that the last quarter of 2016 could only get better. This proactive shift in perspective was not just wishful thinking; it was a deliberate choice to cultivate optimism and openness to positive experiences.

The moment I truly began to embrace the belief that there would always be more than enough, and that I didn’t need to constantly worry about the future, the universe seemed to respond. Just two Sundays ago, while having a relaxed lunch with Juan at our favorite neighborhood spot, Tea Connection, I received a tangible confirmation of this new mindset.

Apparently, Tea Connection has a heartwarming policy where their management selects a customer each day and performs a special, thoughtful gesture for them. That particular Sunday, the incredibly kind people at Tea Connection chose me! They wanted to gift me with a beautiful plate that I had been admiring for weeks – the very plate on which this delightful warm quinoa salad is now artfully plated in the photos. I was utterly and pleasantly surprised, a moment of pure joy that resonated deeply. I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that this seemingly small act of kindness had manifested for a profound reason.

Deep inside, I felt it was a direct result of the shift in my mindset. Instead of dwelling on what I didn’t yet have or what could go wrong, I chose to focus my energy and thoughts on all the wonderful possibilities that could unfold. This proactive approach to life, rooted in gratitude and positive expectation, truly makes a difference.

Because I know I’ve made the right choice in consciously cultivating this abundance mindset, I want to celebrate this exciting new phase of life – one that feels destined to only get better and better. And what better way to celebrate than with nourishing, delicious food?

The Perfect Balance: Taste, Texture, and Nutrition

Here’s a recipe for a warm quinoa salad with roasted butternut squash, creamy avocado, and fresh arugula that is absolutely perfect for these first days of spring, or truly any season when you crave something wholesome and comforting. It’s bright, colorful, and visually appealing, yet simultaneously warm and incredibly filling, ensuring you stay satisfied for longer. This salad also boasts the wonderful qualities of being naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it an excellent choice for a variety of dietary preferences and needs.

In my opinion, this dish represents the ideal kind of meal: it’s vibrant and bursting with fresh flavors, rich in diverse textures, and abundantly packed with essential protein and dietary fiber. Every bite offers a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and peppery notes, making it a truly enjoyable experience.

One of its greatest advantages is its efficiency. It takes just about 45 minutes to prepare this entire meal from scratch. However, if you’re a savvy meal prepper and already have roasted butternut squash and cooked quinoa in your refrigerator, then assembling this delicious salad will take no more than 10 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.

Making Your Warm Quinoa Salad: A Simple Guide

Here’s a detailed yet straightforward guide on how to prepare this delightful warm quinoa salad, ensuring perfect results every time. Follow these steps for a dish that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.

Start by pre-heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, line a large baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (such as a Silpat). This prevents the squash from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Carefully spread the diced butternut squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a generous amount of vegetable oil over the squash, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. You can gently toss them with your hands or a spatula to ensure even distribution. Allow the butternut squash to roast for approximately 45 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully caramelized and crispy, and the squash itself is tender when pierced with a fork. For even cooking and browning, give the squash a gentle flip halfway through the roasting time.

In the meanwhile, while your butternut squash is roasting, combine equal parts of red and white quinoa with the vegetable stock in a medium-sized pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once the stock begins to boil vigorously, reduce the heat to its lowest setting, cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small gap to allow steam to escape. This controlled simmering ensures the quinoa cooks evenly without becoming mushy.

Allow the quinoa to cook for precisely 15 minutes. After this time, switch off the heat, but keep the pot covered. Let the quinoa sit undisturbed for another 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the quinoa to fully absorb any remaining liquid and steam, resulting in perfectly fluffy grains. After resting, remove the lid and gently fluff the quinoa with a fork.

Once both the quinoa and butternut squash are ready and slightly cooled, transfer the cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, fresh arugula leaves, and evenly diced avocado into a large mixing bowl. Generously sprinkle salt over all the ingredients to your taste. Then, drizzle a good amount of fresh lemon juice and high-quality olive oil over the salad. Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined, ensuring every component is coated with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

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