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{This post is sponsored by McCormick! I used their Turmeric to make this warm and cozy fall salad!}
Hi, hi!! Meet my new favorite fall salad!!
I know that summer salads are supposed to be the best of the year, but to me, a fall salad is the way to go! Fall salad ingredients just seem heartier and full of precious gems like roasted squash, quinoa, kale and CHEESE. And in this salad’s case, is eaten warm!
Also, I don’t know if you guys have noticed, but I am really into creating salads around the seasons…
Example One: Thai Summer Quinoa Salad
Example Two: Spring Pea and Carrot Salad
Example Three: Winter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans
I try to be a seasonal eater, and this fall quinoa salad is no exception.
This salad is also packed with pomegranate arils, my favorite fall fruit, so delish and so good for you! I love using pomegranate seeds throughout the months from September through December. They add a nice texture and bring the most beautiful color to a dish.
The other reason I’m beyond excited about today’s salad… say hello to fried Halloumi Cheese (yum!) + Creamy Tahini Turmeric Dressing, YESS.
I’m not sure how many of you have noticed, but turmeric is kind of the “in” spice right now. For the longest time, I avoided turmeric because I thought my family wasn’t really into it. But it turns out, I just wasn’t using it in the right way, or in some cases, I was simply using too much. Over the summer I made my first creamy Lassi. The key ingredient in a lassi is turmeric, this was when I discovered just how delicious turmeric can be!
Ever since then, I’ve been trying to make an effort to use more turmeric in my cooking, especially after reading up on it! I was curious to find out why everyone seemed to be calling turmeric the new super spice so I did I little digging. Wow, people are intrigued by turmeric for its potential health benefits! Turmeric has been getting increasing attention for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, which are linked to its key compound, curcumin.
Other things to note (major geek alert ahead!)…
…Turmeric is one of the main components of curry powder, giving it its yellow hue.
…throughout history, turmeric was widely known for its use as a natural colorant. Today, it’s frequently used to give off a golden color to rice dishes, sauces, soups, stews, and condiments. Hmmmm, guess that’s why it worked so well for my natural fabric dye project!
Kind of cool though right? I mean, I guess it’s not just any old spice!!
SIDE NOTE: I know that soup is supposed to be the go-to food when feeling under the weather, but I’m thinking that this fall, it’s all about this salad. I mean, it’s packed with so much goodness! Lovin’ it.
Anyway, my point is that I’ve been converted, I am now a turmeric person!! Yeah! And you guys, if you think you’re not a fan, just try this dressing. It’s creamy perfection when drizzled over this autumn inspired salad…
Which umm, maybe we should talk about a few of the other things happening here in this salad? Yes, let’s!
One of my favorite things to do on busy nights is cook up a giant batch of quinoa and then just toss in any fruits/veggies/cheese that I have left in my fridge. I call it my kitchen sink quinoa salad. This here is my fall version and it’s loaded with all my favorite fall produce!!
I’m talking roasted delicata squash (acorn, pumpkin, or butternut squash would be great too!), honeycrisp apples, baby kale, handful after handful of pomegranate arils, and ripe avocado. I also included toasted pumpkins seeds and roasted pistachios.
Yes and yes!
Oh and of course, you cannot forget about that dried Halloumi cheese. It’s a game changer and it pairs so perfectly with this creamy tahini turmeric dressing.
Fall Harvest Quinoa Salad.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 delicata or acorn squash, halved, seeded + cut into half circles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon
- pinch of McCormick Ground Cayenne Red Pepper, to taste
- kosher salt + pepper
- 1 1/2 cups baby kale
- 1 apple, cored + thinly sliced
- arils from 1 pomegranate
- 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or roasted pistachios
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced (omit if vegan)
- 1 avocado, sliced
Turmeric Tahini Dressing
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon [McCormick Ground Turmeric | http://www.mccormick.com/spices-and-flavors/herbs-and-spices/spices/turmeric-ground]
- kosher salt + pepper
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package directions.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- On a baking sheet, toss together the squash, olive oil, maple, cinnamon, cayenne and a good pinch of salt + pepper. Place in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing twice throughout cooking until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized.
- In a large bowl, combine the warm quinoa, roasted squash, kale, apples, pomegranate arils and pumpkin seeds. Gently toss to combine.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the Halloumi slices and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until lightly golden. Remove and drain on to paper towels.
- Top the quinoa with the fried Halloumi and avocado and drizzle with the turmeric tahini dressing. Garnish with a handful of pomegranate arils if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Turmeric Tahini Dressing
- In a blender combine the tahini, turmeric, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, salt and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons water and blend until smooth, adding water to thin the dressing until it is pourable. Taste and adjust salt + pepper to your liking.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Gimme another bowl please…with an extra side of cheese… obviously. 🙂
{This post is sponsored by McCormick. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Half Baked Harvest cooking!! 
}
Hip, Hip Hooray for pomegranate season. I always get so sad when it comes to an end because pomegranate arils are so juicy & tasty plus they make any dish look so elegant.
And they look so purrrty on this salad. I also love how cute the acorn squashes look. They really bring the fall spirit.
P.S. Fried Halloumi is my jam!!
I completely agree, they are so good! Thanks so much Lynn! I hope you enjoy this salad!!
Simply stunning photography here! Looks absolutely delicious
Rxx
http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Thank you!
Your ingredients list calls for one cup uncooked quinoa. Did you mean cooked?
Hey TAC! So sorry, thank you for pointing that out. Recipe is fixed. Hope you love the salad! 😕
This recipe looks delicious! However, it does still say uncooked quinoa rather than cooked even though you thought you fixed it earlier. Thanks for your great blog!! 🙂
Thanks Verna!!
For what it’s worth, the recipe still says Uncooked quinoa…..Looks like something I need to try
Thank you! I have fixed the recipe to read correctly. Let me know if you have questions.
I hope you love it, thanks Rie!
Rie, ingredients list asks for uncooked quinoa, but first direction is to cook the quinoa.
Yes, you cook 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups water. Let me know if you have questions.
I was just thinking yesterday, Tieghan isn’t using pomegranates anymore! Woe! But I had no idea they were considered a Fall fruit. So happy to see them back (I try to use them in as many things as possible). I have been extra-loving quinoa lately, so I am really looking forward to making this. Beautiful. 😀
Awh this is so awesome Kate! I hope you love this salad! Thank you!! ?
One good looking as salad.
Thank you Nancy!
Oh, I love this!! All the fall flavors and produce in one bowl. I haven’t tried turmeric before, but this looks like a great place to start!
Yes so is!! I hope you love it Andrea, thank you!!
you should consider holding food placement and photography workshops. I’d sign up! As always – so beautiful! I don’t enjoy quinoa at all but…i may run out and get some and make this!
https://www.searedandshameless.com
Well I hope you love it in this salad Jessica!! Thanks so much!
I just love salads any time of year and this one is packed with SO much good stuff! I’m a huge fan of halloumi cheese. So good!! And that turmeric tahini dressing sounds wonderful. I’ve heard that turmeric is really good for you, but don’t use it a whole lot. You’ve definitely inspired me to use it some more. Pinning this salad and trying soon 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Yay!! I hope you love this one dawn, I am so happy you are enjoying the recipe! Thank you!
Lovely recipe…look forward to trying it. Turmeric, more than anything else, is known for its anti inflammatory properties. I would never recommend McCormick as my go to. I recommend buying spices in small amounts in bulk. One never knows how long spices have been sitting on the shelf in its package, or whether its been radiated!!!!
Thank you so much Cori! And thanks for the tips, good to know! ?
Can the dressing stay fresh in the refrigerator for a few days?
Thanks for the recipes, looks scrumptious
Hi Eileen!! Yes, the dressing will keep for a week in the fridge. Let me know if you have questions. Thanks!
That dressing!!! Tahini is all I need to see!
Haha well I am so happy you are enjoying the recipe! Thank you Rebecca!
I love turmeric, I use it a lot, and have been for years, but it was only just recently that I have learned of all the good it packs!!
https://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt/
Yes! It is an awesome spice! I hope you love this Ruth!
Turmeric is my favorite spice. Your suggestion is on my to do list. ASAP. Thank you !
Awesome! I hope you love this, thank you! ?
What a lovely idea to make a warm Fall salad! It looks so beautifully colourful! I’d never thought of using turmeric in a salad dressing before but it sounds delicious! Have you tried Golden Milk? It’s my new favourite thing!
Hey Rhian! I have not yet tried golden milk, but NEED to! I have heard great things. Thanks! ?
you mentioned it, but i think the main problem when i use turmeric is that there’s just too much and it feels powdery on my tongue. i love the color of your dressing though, so i’ll have to try that out!
I hope you love it Heather! Thank you!?