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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Simultaneously prepare orzo in a generously salted pot of boiling water, cooking until perfectly al dente according to package guidelines.
- 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.
- Drain orzo thoroughly and transfer to a spacious serving vessel.
- Gently fold roasted butternut squash into the orzo, ensuring even distribution of golden-brown cubes.
- Drizzle the emulsified vinaigrette over the pasta and squash mixture, carefully coating each ingredient.
- Taste and refine seasoning, adding additional salt, olive oil, or vinaigrette as needed to balance flavors.
- Immediately before serving, delicately fold fresh arugula into the warm salad, allowing its peppery leaves to slightly wilt from the residual heat.
- 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