Roast Squash and Hummus Winter Salad

Featured in: Light Bright Bowls & Greens

This nourishing winter bowl brings together the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash and sweet potatoes with creamy, protein-rich butter bean hummus. The vegetables caramelize beautifully in the oven, developing a tender texture and deep flavor that pairs perfectly with the smooth, tahini-infused spread. Toasted mixed seeds add a satisfying crunch, while fresh parsley brings brightness. Ready in under an hour, this vegetarian main works equally well as a hearty side dish.

Updated on Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:27:00 GMT
Creamy butter bean hummus topped with golden roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and red bell peppers, garnished with toasted seeds and fresh parsley.  Save
Creamy butter bean hummus topped with golden roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and red bell peppers, garnished with toasted seeds and fresh parsley. | saffronharbor.com

The smell of roasting winter vegetables fills the whole house with this warmth that makes you want to put on chunky socks and stay inside. I first threw this together during that bleak February week when I had three butternut squashes from my CSA box and zero inspiration.

My sister was visiting when I first served this for dinner. She kept hovering around the kitchen asking what smelled so good, and when we sat down to eat she actually went quiet for a full minute which never happens.

Ingredients

  • Butternut squash: The natural sweetness here is crucial so do not skimp on the roasting time until you see those golden edges
  • Sweet potatoes: These add creamy texture that balances the slightly more firm squash
  • Red bell peppers: They become almost jammy in the oven which brings this bright sweetness against the earthy beans
  • Butter beans: So much creamier than chickpeas and they blend into the most velvety hummus you have ever tasted
  • Tahini: Get the good stuff from the Middle Eastern aisle because cheap tahini can taste bitter and ruin everything
  • Mixed seeds: The crunch here is non-negotiable and toasting them wakes up flavors you did not know existed

Instructions

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Get the oven going:
Preheat to 200°C (400°F) and grab your largest baking sheet because you want everything in one layer without crowding.
Prep your vegetables:
Toss the cubed squash sweet potatoes and sliced bell peppers with olive oil salt and pepper until every piece is glistening.
Roast until golden:
Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 30 to 35 minutes flipping halfway until everything has these beautiful browned spots.
Make the hummus:
While vegetables roast blend the butter beans tahini lemon juice garlic olive oil cumin salt and pepper until completely smooth adding water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches that dreamy consistency.
Toast your seeds:
Throw the mixed seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes stirring constantly until they smell nutty and start popping.
Bring it together:
Spread a thick layer of hummus on each plate pile the roasted vegetables on top and scatter with toasted seeds fresh parsley and that dusting of smoked paprika if you want it.
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Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
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A hearty scoop of this Roast Squash and Hummus Winter Salad reveals vibrant orange and red vegetables over smooth hummus, finished with smoky paprika.  Save
A hearty scoop of this Roast Squash and Hummus Winter Salad reveals vibrant orange and red vegetables over smooth hummus, finished with smoky paprika. | saffronharbor.com

This became my go-to for friend dinners because everyone thinks it is so fancy but I am barely doing any active work. Last winter I served it six times and nobody complained about repeats.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I roast red onions or carrots along with the vegetables when I want even more color on the plate. You could also add a can of chickpeas to the roasting pan for extra protein.

What To Serve With It

Crusty bread is perfect for swiping up any leftover hummus. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness and a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps things fresh.

Storage and Meal Prep

The roasted vegetables and hummus both store beautifully for 3 to 4 days in the fridge but keep them in separate containers. Reheat the vegetables at 180°C for about 10 minutes to recrisp the edges.

  • Toast fresh seeds right before serving because they lose their crunch overnight
  • Add fresh herbs at the last minute so they stay vibrant and do not wilt
  • The hummus actually tastes better on day two so consider making it ahead
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This Roast Squash and Hummus Winter Salad is a colorful main dish, featuring tender roasted veggies on a bed of creamy hummus with crunchy seeds. Save
This Roast Squash and Hummus Winter Salad is a colorful main dish, featuring tender roasted veggies on a bed of creamy hummus with crunchy seeds. | saffronharbor.com

There is something so satisfying about eating this while the winter wind rattles the windows and you are all warm inside.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I prepare the components ahead?

Yes, roast the vegetables and make the hummus up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toast the seeds fresh before serving to maintain their crunch.

What vegetables work well in this dish?

Butternut squash and sweet potatoes are ideal for their natural sweetness and creamy texture when roasted. You can also add carrots, parsnips, or red onions for extra depth of flavor.

How do I achieve the smoothest hummus consistency?

Blend the butter beans thoroughly, adding the water gradually while the food processor runs. The warm vegetables help create a creamier texture, and letting the hummus rest for 15 minutes before serving improves the consistency.

Can I use chickpeas instead of butter beans?

Absolutely. Chickpeas make an excellent substitute and will create a more traditional hummus flavor profile. The cooking time and preparation method remain exactly the same.

What's the best way to toast the seeds?

Place the mixed seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch closely as they can burn quickly. Let them cool completely before sprinkling over the salad.

Is this suitable for meal prep?

This dish meal preps beautifully. Portion the hummus and roasted vegetables into separate containers, and store the toasted seeds in a small bag or jar. Reheat the vegetables slightly before assembling for the best texture.

Roast Squash and Hummus Winter Salad

Golden roasted squash and sweet potatoes layered over butter bean hummus with crunchy seeds

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Recipe by Avery Watson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Modern European

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, Free from Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1.5 lbs)
02 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1.1 lbs)
03 2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced
04 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 Salt and black pepper to taste

Butter Bean Hummus

01 1 can (14 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
02 2 tablespoons tahini
03 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
04 1 clove garlic, crushed
05 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
06 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
07 Salt and black pepper to taste
08 2-3 tablespoons water, as needed for consistency

Toppings

01 3 tablespoons mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)
02 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

How To Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) for roasting vegetables.

Step 02

Prepare Vegetables for Roasting: Arrange butternut squash cubes, sweet potato cubes, and sliced red bell peppers on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss vegetables to coat evenly.

Step 03

Roast Vegetables: Roast vegetables in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time, until vegetables are golden brown and fork-tender.

Step 04

Prepare Butter Bean Hummus: While vegetables roast, combine butter beans, tahini, lemon juice, crushed garlic, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired creamy consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 05

Toast Mixed Seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add mixed seeds and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat immediately and set aside.

Step 06

Assemble Salad: Spread a generous layer of butter bean hummus across each serving plate. Arrange roasted vegetables on top of hummus. Sprinkle with toasted seeds, fresh chopped parsley, and smoked paprika if using. Serve immediately while vegetables are still warm.

Tools Needed

  • Large baking sheet
  • Food processor or high-speed blender
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Medium skillet
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Details

Check all components for allergens, and connect with a healthcare pro if you’re unsure.
  • Contains sesame (tahini)
  • May contain traces of nuts and gluten if seeds are processed in shared facilities

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This info is just a guide and shouldn't replace a doctor's input.
  • Calories Count: 390
  • Fat content: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 9 g