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Impress Your Guests with This Stunning Cypriot Butternut Pumpkin Salad

Looking for a show-stopping dish that's both visually appealing and bursting with flavour? This Cypriot-inspired butternut pumpkin salad is the answer! It's a hearty, wholesome meal that's perfect for a summer BBQ, a festive gathering, or even a satisfying weeknight dinner. Forget boring salads - this one packs a serious punch of flavour and texture.

A Symphony of Flavours and Textures

This salad is a delightful balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and chewy elements. The roasted butternut pumpkin provides a naturally sweet base, while salty feta cheese and Kalamata olives add a savoury depth. A vibrant lemon-herb dressing brings a zesty tang, and crunchy walnuts contribute a satisfying textural contrast. It's a truly harmonious blend of flavours that will tantalise your taste buds.

Minimising Waste - A Clever & Sustainable Recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is its resourcefulness. It’s almost a no-waste creation! We're using almost every part of the butternut pumpkin, except for the stringy pulp which isn't ideal for eating. The roasted pumpkin flesh forms the heart of the salad, while the skin can be roasted separately and enjoyed as a crispy snack – talk about getting the most out of your ingredients!

The Recipe - Simple Steps to Salad Perfection

1. Prepare the Pumpkin: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut the butternut pumpkin in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
2. Roast the Pumpkin: Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
3. Make the Filling: While the pumpkin is roasting, prepare the filling. Combine cooked quinoa (or couscous), chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley and mint, and toasted walnuts in a bowl.
4. Dress it Up: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of honey (optional) for the dressing.
5. Assemble the Salad: Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scoop out a portion of the flesh and mix it into the filling. Stuff the pumpkin halves with the filling and drizzle with the lemon-herb dressing.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with extra feta, olives, and fresh herbs. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Why You'll Love This Salad

• Delicious and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
• Impressive Presentation: A stunning centrepiece for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: Relatively simple to prepare, even for novice cooks.
• Adaptable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Try adding roasted chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, or different types of nuts.

This Cypriot butternut pumpkin salad is more than just a salad; it's an experience. Give it a try and discover a new favourite!