This easy-to-assemble, mason jar salad is perfect when you need lunch on the go! Packed with protein, healthy fat, and antioxidant rich pomegranate seeds, this autumn-inspired salad is sure to keep your body fueled through the afternoon. Feel free to prep the ingredients the night before, and have a tasty + healthy lunch waiting for you in the fridge the next day!
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, toss the butternut squash with the oil, then spread the pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until soft and lightly browned. Let cool completely.
Meanwhile, prepare the quinoa. Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse well with cool water to remove the bitter saponins. Drain well. In a medium pot, combine the quinoa and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through. Let stand for 20 minutes, or until cooled completely.
Layer the ingredients into quart jars with tight-fitting lids, starting at the bottom and working up in this order: ½ cup butternut squash, ½ cup drained chickpeas, ½ cup quinoa, 1 cup kale, 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds, 2 tablespoons sliced almonds. Close the lids tightly.
Layer in jars in this order starting from the bottom and working up:-1 cup butternut squash-½ cup cooked chickpeas-½ cup cooked quinoa-2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds-1 cup kale ribbons-2 tablespoons sliced almonds
Mix ingredients for vinaigrette together in a small bowl.
To serve, add the dressing to the jar, close the lid tightly, and gently turn the jar over to coat the ingredients with the dressing. Open and eat.
Notes
Can be made 1-3 days in advance.
Keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
Swap butternut squashed with cooked acorn squash or sweet potato.
Swap the kale with the leafy greens of your choice.