Warm Orzo Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash
This Warm Orzo Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash is a comforting yet healthy dish packed with roasted butternut squash, tender orzo, and a light, zesty dressing. Perfect as a main course or a flavorful side dish for any meal!
This Warm Orzo Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash is a comforting yet healthy dish packed with roasted butternut squash, tender orzo, and a light, zesty dressing. Perfect as a main course or a flavorful side dish for any meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh)
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
– 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup fresh arugula or baby spinach
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and remaining olive oil.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, roasted butternut squash, feta cheese, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and arugula.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
– Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
– Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
– Swap orzo with quinoa or couscous for a gluten-free alternative.
– Best served warm, but leftovers can be enjoyed cold as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 12mg