Experience the Coziest Warm Orzo Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash Ever

Orzo Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash is a feast of seasonal ingredients and vibrant tastes.

This warm, comforting dish pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables to create a hearty meal inspired by Mediterranean flavors.

The sweet richness of butternut squash blends beautifully with the delicate orzo, offering an enjoyable mix of textures and flavors.

Cooking enthusiasts will find joy in how these simple ingredients come together effortlessly for an elegant meal.

Roasting the golden squash enhances its sweetness and adds deep, warming notes to every bite.

This nutritious pasta salad offers a tasty experience that highlights wholesome cooking and creative ingredient pairings.

Why Warm Orzo Pasta Salad With Butternut Squash Feels Like Fall

• Boost Weeknight Dinners: Whip up this comforting pasta salad in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and quick meal solution.
• Seasonal Vegetable Celebration: Showcase the sweet, caramelized butternut squash that transforms this dish into a cozy autumn-inspired culinary experience with minimal effort.
• Flexible Flavor Profile: Create a versatile recipe that works as a hearty side dish or light main course, easily adaptable for vegetarians and appealing to various taste preferences.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Prepare everything using just a few kitchen tools – one baking sheet, one pot, and a mixing bowl – ensuring an easy cooking and cleaning process that saves time and energy.

Everything You Need For Warm Orzo Pasta Salad With Butternut Squash

Main Ingredients:

• Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta perfect for salads with a smooth, tender texture.
• Butternut Squash: Sweet, nutty vegetable that roasts beautifully and adds rich golden color.

• Arugula: Peppery, fresh green that provides a crisp contrast to roasted squash.
• Shallot: Mild onion-like ingredient that brings subtle depth to the vinaigrette.
• Fresh Thyme: Earthy herb that complements the sweetness of squash and maple.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base for roasting squash and creating vinaigrette.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy liquid that balances the sweetness in the salad.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that caramelizes squash and adds complexity to dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy seasoning that adds a subtle kick.

How To Cook Warm Orzo Pasta Salad With Butternut Squash

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Season Butternut Squash

• Olive oil
• Thyme
• Maple syrup
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Roast Squash to Perfection

Spread seasoned squash on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden and squash becomes tender.

Step 4: Cook Orzo Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Step 5: Create Vibrant Vinaigrette

• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Minced shallot

Seal and shake vigorously to blend ingredients.

Step 6: Assemble Warm Pasta Salad

In a large serving bowl, gently mix roasted butternut squash with cooked orzo. Pour vinaigrette over the mixture.

Step 7: Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or olive oil. Fold in fresh arugula just before serving to maintain crisp texture.

Tips For Making Warm Orzo Pasta Salad With Butternut Squash

• Roast Squash Perfectly: Cut butternut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning during roasting.
• Balance Vinaigrette Flavors: Taste and adjust vinaigrette by adding more maple syrup for sweetness or apple cider vinegar for tanginess based on personal preference.
• Keep Arugula Crisp: Add fresh arugula at the last moment to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent wilting from warm pasta and dressing.
• Enhance Protein Options: Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled feta cheese for added texture and protein, making the salad more nutritionally complete.
• Make Ahead Smartly: Prepare roasted squash and dressing separately, storing in refrigerator. Combine ingredients just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

How To Store And Reheat Warm Orzo Pasta Salad With Butternut Squash

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate arugula and dressing to prevent wilting.
• Reheat: Gently warm orzo and squash in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Refresh: Before serving, toss with fresh arugula and a drizzle of vinaigrette to revive flavors and texture.
• Quality Check: Discard if arugula looks soggy or pasta feels dry. Fresh ingredients ensure the best taste and texture.

Tasty Matches For Warm Orzo Pasta Salad With Butternut Squash

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Crisp Riesling from Alsace, France, offering bright acidity that complements the sweet butternut squash and cuts through the rich vinaigrette.
• Ideal Protein Partner: Grilled chicken breast seasoned with rosemary and lemon, providing a lean protein that balances the orzo's creamy texture without overwhelming the delicate squash flavors.
• Complementary Cheese Accent: Crumble fresh goat cheese on top, introducing a tangy creaminess that enhances the maple and thyme notes while adding a luxurious protein element.
• Fresh Side Companion: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with toasted walnuts, creating a refreshing contrast to the warm orzo and adding nutty undertones that echo the roasted squash's caramelized edges.

Variations You’ll Love On Warm Orzo Pasta Salad With Butternut Squash

• Vegan Protein Boost: Replace butternut squash with roasted chickpeas and add cubed firm tofu for extra protein. Swap maple syrup with agave nectar to maintain sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute orzo with quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free alternative. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Swap arugula with fresh baby spinach. Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and toasted pine nuts for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Remix: Replace orzo with riced cauliflower. Roast cauliflower alongside butternut squash and use same vinaigrette for a lower-carb version of the original recipe.

FAQ For Warm Orzo Pasta Salad With Butternut Squash

• What makes orzo different from other pasta?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and has a unique texture, making it perfect for salads and side dishes. Its compact size allows it to absorb flavors exceptionally well.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by ensuring the maple syrup is vegan-friendly. The dish is naturally plant-based and packed with nutritious ingredients.

• Is butternut squash nutritionally beneficial?

Absolutely! Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, provides excellent fiber, and contains powerful antioxidants that support immune health and promote overall wellness. It’s a nutrient-dense vegetable that adds both flavor and nutrition to the dish.

• How can I add more protein to this salad?

Consider adding roasted chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, or grilled chicken to increase the protein content. These additions will make the salad more filling and nutritionally balanced.

Cozy Warm Orzo Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean magic happens when Warm Orzo Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash blends roasted seasonal vegetables and herbed grains. Rich Mediterranean flavors dance through creamy orzo, complemented by caramelized butternut squash and fresh herbs that welcome you to savor each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) orzo pasta
• 3 cups (450 grams) butternut squash, peeled and cubed (½-inch pieces)
• 3–4 cups (75–100 grams) arugula

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 shallot, minced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Roast diced butternut squash on a parchment-lined baking sheet, coating with olive oil, thyme, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until caramelized and tender, approximately 20-25 minutes at 400°F.
2. Simultaneously prepare orzo in a generously salted pot of boiling water, cooking until perfectly al dente according to package guidelines.
3. Create a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, salt, and pepper in a sealed jar, shaking vigorously to blend.
4. Drain orzo thoroughly and transfer to a spacious serving vessel.
5. Gently fold roasted butternut squash into the orzo, ensuring even distribution of golden-brown cubes.
6. Drizzle the emulsified vinaigrette over the pasta and squash mixture, carefully coating each ingredient.
7. Taste and refine seasoning, adding additional salt, olive oil, or vinaigrette as needed to balance flavors.
8. Immediately before serving, delicately fold fresh arugula into the warm salad, allowing its peppery leaves to slightly wilt from the residual heat.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature, celebrating the harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and earthy elements.

Notes

• Enhance caramelization by cutting butternut squash into uniform, small cubes for even roasting and deeper flavor development.
• Boost nutrition by adding protein-rich ingredients like roasted chickpeas or crumbled feta cheese for vegetarian and gluten-conscious diners.
• Elevate leftover potential by preparing dressing and roasted squash separately, allowing flexible meal prep and maintaining ingredient texture.
• Customize seasonal variations by swapping

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg