This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious and wholesome choice for any meal. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, or it can stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian option.

Ingredients

• 1 small pumpkin (approx. 2 lbs), peeled and diced
• 1 cup of bulgur wheat
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds for garnish
• 1/4 cup of roasted pumpkin seeds (no shell) for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Pumpkin: In a large bowl, toss the diced pumpkin with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Roast the Pumpkin: Spread the pumpkin pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown, turning once midway through the cooking time.
4. Cook the Bulgur: Meanwhile, prepare the bulgur according to package instructions. Typically, this involves combining 1 cup of bulgur with 2 cups of boiling water, covering, and letting it sit for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork once done.
5. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and honey or maple syrup.
6. Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked bulgur, roasted pumpkin, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and feta cheese (if using). Drizzle the lemon and honey dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
7. Garnish and Serve: Top the salad with pomegranate seeds and roasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

The following nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	5mg
Sodium	220mg
Total Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	8g
Sugars	8g
Protein	7g