Description
Warm Orzo Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash is a comforting dish that brings together creamy orzo and sweet, roasted butternut squash, topped with fresh spinach and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, this vibrant salad is not only easy to make but also versatile enough to serve as a side or a main course. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a meal that promises both flavor and unforgettable moments.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups butternut squash, diced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet with nonstick spray or parchment paper.
- Toss diced butternut squash in olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet.
- Roast squash for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway.
- Cook orzo in salted boiling water according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, roasted squash, spinach, pine nuts, and lemon juice. Mix gently.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Drizzle additional olive oil or lemon juice if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg