Ditch the Sad Desk Lunch for Something Epic

Pumpkin Salad isn't just another boring bowl of greens – it's a proper feast that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. When you're craving something fresh, vibrant, and Instagram-worthy, our roast pumpkin creation ticks all the boxes.

What makes a great pumpkin salad:

• Roast pumpkin – golden, caramelised, and sweet
• Fresh vegetables – beetroot, cherry tomatoes, avocado
• Creamy fetta – adds richness and tang
• Pearl couscous – makes it hearty and filling
• Zesty dressing – our signature dill dressing brings it all together
• Dietary-friendly – vegetarian with gluten-free options available

Look, we get it. You're tired of the same old lunch routine. The soggy sandwich from the servo, the wilted salad that tastes like cardboard, or worse – eating at your desk again while scrolling through your phone.

At The Nines, we've been shaking up the Maroochydore lunch scene for almost a decade. Our Pumpkin Salad is proof that healthy doesn't have to mean boring, and fresh doesn't have to mean flavourless.

Why our regulars keep coming back for this dish:

The roast pumpkin gets caramelised to perfection, while the beetroot adds earthy sweetness. Chuck in some creamy avocado, tangy fetta, and our house-made dill dressing, and you've got yourself a meal that's as satisfying as it is photogenic.

I'm Janice Kuz, and after 20+ years in hospo, I've learned that great food comes from giving a damn about every single ingredient. Our Pumpkin Salad has been a menu favourite since day one because it delivers on flavour, fills you up properly, and proves that eating well doesn't have to be a chore.

Our Famous Pumpkin Salad

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of why our Pumpkin Salad is such a legendary feed here on the Sunshine Coast. We're talking about a dish that's bursting with wholesome ingredients, fresh flavours, and seasonal produce that just screams "good vibes." It's the kind of healthy lunch that leaves you feeling energised, not sluggish, and ready to tackle whatever the arvo throws at ya.

We don't just throw a few things on a plate and call it a day. Nah, we put thought into every element, making sure it all comes together for an epic experience. From the moment you see those vibrant colours, you know you're in for a treat. It's a proper visual feast before you even take the first bite!

What's Actually in This Pumpkin Salad?

So, what's in this bowl of magic, you ask? Our Pumpkin Salad is a symphony of textures and tastes. We start with the star of the show: perfectly roasted pumpkin, with tender, sweet, and slightly caramelised chunks. Then, we layer in the earthy goodness of beetroots, juicy cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness, and creamy, crumbly fetta for that delightful salty tang that pairs so well with the pumpkin.

To make it a proper hearty meal, we add generous slices of fresh avocado for a lovely creamy texture and toss in light, fluffy pearl couscous to absorb all those amazing flavours. What truly ties it all together is our fresh, zesty dill dressing, which cuts through the richness and makes every bite sing. We also make sure this epic feed is inclusive! Our Pumpkin Salad is vegetarian-friendly, and we've got gluten-free options available too.

The Good Stuff in Our Pumpkin Salad

Beyond being an absolute flavour bomb, our Pumpkin Salad is packed with all sorts of good stuff that'll make your body sing. We're talking about a seriously nutrient-dense dish that doesn't skimp on the health benefits.

First up, the pumpkin itself is a powerhouse. It's a ripper source of dietary fibre, which is super important for keeping your digestive system happy and healthy. Fibre also plays a role in supporting heart health, so you're doing your ticker a favour with every mouthful. Plus, pumpkin is loaded with micronutrients like Vitamin A (thanks to all that beta-carotene!), Vitamin K, Vitamin E, copper, and iron. Those powerful antioxidants from the beta-carotene are great for fighting off the bad guys in your body and keeping you feeling top-notch.

Then you've got the other fresh ingredients. The beetroots are packed with vitamins and minerals, and the avocado brings those healthy monounsaturated fats. The leafy greens (which we always ensure are fresh and vibrant) are bursting with more vitamins and antioxidants. It's truly a feel-good food that fuels you up the right way. Some folks reckon a warm Pumpkin Salad is the way to go, especially when the weather cools down a bit. It just goes to show, pumpkin salad isn't just for summer; it's a versatile legend all year round.

And if you're looking for more ways to enjoy a top-tier feed that's both delicious and good for you, you'll want to check out our other healthy options. We're all about making sure you can enjoy a lazy weekend brunch that's still packed with wholesome goodness.

More Damn Good Food to Fill Your Belly

While our Pumpkin Salad is an absolute legend (and we're chuffed as anything about it!), we'd be doing you a disservice if we didn't tell you about the other epic feeds waiting for you at The Nines. We're talking about proper hearty meals that'll sort you right out, whether you're after something with big brekkie energy or a satisfying lunch that hits different.

Our kitchen fires up at 7 AM and keeps the good times rolling until 3 PM every single day (just remember, we wrap up the cooking 30 minutes before close, so don't leave it too late!). Whether you're an early riser or one of those lazy weekend warriors, we've got something that'll make your belly happy.

We're always switching things up with our lunch specials and all-day breakfast options because, let's be honest, who doesn't want pancakes at 2 PM? That's the beauty of what we do – we don't follow the rules, we make our own. If you want to know more about the kind of specials that'll blow your mind, check out our guide: Score Big: The Best Cafe Lunch Specials You Can't Miss.

Can't Go Wrong with Corn Fritters

When you're craving something that's equal parts comforting and exciting, our Corn Fritters are where it's at. These golden beauties aren't your run-of-the-mill fritters – they're crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with sweet corn that just bursts with flavour.

We top them with a perfectly poached egg because, honestly, what's better than breaking into that golden yolk and watching it flow over everything? Then comes the game-changer: our minted yoghurt dressing that adds this fresh, tangy kick that cuts through the richness beautifully. And because we love a bit of texture play, we finish the whole thing with a generous sprinkle of dukkah – that crunchy, nutty mix that makes every bite interesting.

This is a hearty meal that knows how to satisfy, and it's a fantastic vegetarian option that proves plant-based doesn't mean flavour-free. Whether you're rolling in for brunch or need something substantial for a late lunch, these fritters deliver that big brekkie energy that'll keep you going strong.

We've been perfecting breakfast on the Sunshine Coast for nearly a decade now, and there's a reason locals keep coming back for more. Want to know what makes us tick? Check out: Best Breakfast Spots on the Sunshine Coast: Why Locals Love The Nines.

Get Fresh with Our Fish Tacos

Sometimes you want something that's fresh, zesty , and won't weigh you down – that's where our Fish Tacos absolutely shine. These bad boys are all about bright, vibrant flavours that'll wake up your taste buds and leave you feeling energised rather than sluggish.

We start with tender, flaky fish nestled in soft tortillas, but the real magic happens with the toppings. Fresh avocado brings that creamy richness we all love, while our signature fennel-grapefruit salad is what really sets these tacos apart. That combination of crisp fennel and tangy grapefruit creates this incredible zesty flavour profile that's both refreshing and unexpected.

It's the perfect light meal for when you want something delicious but don't want to feel like you need a nap afterwards. And hey, if you're feeling a bit more indulgent, you can always add a side of our crispy fries – sometimes you just need those golden, salty carbs to complete the experience.

If you're on the hunt for your next favourite brunch spot in Maroochydore, you're definitely in the right place. We're always testing fresh combos and keeping things exciting: The Ultimate Brunch Hunt: Finding Your Next Favourite Spot in Maroochydore.

Your Table is Waiting

So there you have it – whether you're in the mood for our vibrant Pumpkin Salad , those comforting Corn Fritters , or the fresh zing of our Fish Tacos , The Nines Emporium is your go-to spot for an epic feed right here in Maroochydore .

We're not just slinging coffee and food; we're creating an experience. For nearly ten years, we've been bringing good vibes, generous portions, and damn good coffee to the Sunshine Coast, and we're pretty proud of what we've built. Our team genuinely loves what they do – we're a fun-ass workplace , and that energy shows up in every single dish we serve.

You'll find us at Shop 17A, Sunshine Homemaker Center, 100 Maroochydore Rd, Maroochydore, open from 7 AM to 3 PM every day. We keep things relaxed on weekends with walk-ins welcome – no bookings needed, just rock up and we'll sort you out. And yeah, bring your furry mates too; we're dog-friendly because good food is meant to be shared with everyone who matters to you.

Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Your table is waiting, and we promise your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) are going to thank you.

Check out everything we've got cooking: Check out our full menu.