Zingy Warm Orzo Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash Recipe

Summer’s bounty meets comfort in this warm orzo pasta salad that captures Mediterranean sunshine.

Vibrant butternut squash transforms simple ingredients into a delightful culinary experience.

Nutty roasted vegetables dance alongside tender pasta, creating unexpected flavor combinations.

Mediterranean herbs whisper their aromatic secrets through each delectable bite.

Hearty yet light, this dish bridges seasonal transitions with remarkable elegance.

Colorful ingredients promise a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Come hungry and leave inspired by this surprisingly simple yet extraordinary recipe.

Why Warm Orzo Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash Is So Cozy

• Craft a Seasonal Sensation: Transform simple ingredients into a vibrant, hearty dish that celebrates autumn's rich flavors and colors.
• Master Minimal Cooking Skills: Create a restaurant-quality meal with basic kitchen techniques like roasting vegetables and mixing a quick dressing.
• Nutrition Packed Powerhouse: Combine protein-rich pecans, fiber-filled squash, and nutrient-dense arugula for a balanced, wholesome meal that satisfies and nourishes.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a versatile recipe perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings that impresses without complicated steps.

Ingredients for Orzo Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty vegetable that provides a hearty and caramelized base for the salad.
• Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that serves as the perfect foundation for this warm salad.
• Feta Cheese: A tangy and creamy cheese that adds a rich, salty flavor to the dish.

• Pecans, Dried Cranberries: Toasted pecans offer a crunchy texture, while dried cranberries bring a sweet and tart contrast to the salad.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Honey, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Thyme, Garlic Powder: These ingredients create a balanced and flavorful dressing that ties all the components together with a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and herbal notes.

• Arugula: A peppery green that adds a fresh and slightly spicy element to the warm salad.

Instructions for a Warm Butternut Orzo Salad

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Squash

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Thyme
• Garlic powder

Spread the seasoned squash evenly across a baking sheet.

Step 2: Roast Squash Cubes

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Look for tender pieces with slightly caramelized edges.

Step 3: Cook Orzo Pasta

Boil orzo according to package directions.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Whip Up Dressing

• Balsamic vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Remaining olive oil

Whisk until the ingredients are smoothly combined.

Step 5: Assemble Salad Components

• Cooked orzo
• Roasted butternut squash
• Feta cheese
• Toasted pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Arugula

Step 6: Dress and Toss

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Transfer the warm salad to serving dishes. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures immediately.

Tips for a Fluffy Warm Orzo Pasta Salad

• Cut butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even caramelization and consistent texture.
• Toast pecans beforehand to intensify their nutty profile and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Substitute feta with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free options without compromising taste.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint to bring brightness and additional layers of flavor.
• Prepare components separately and store in the refrigerator, assembling just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

Flavorful Variations for Orzo Pasta Salad

• Vegan Orzo Delight: Replace feta with dairy-free cashew cheese, use maple syrup instead of honey, and add roasted chickpeas for protein.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap butternut squash with roasted red bell peppers, add kalamata olives, and use fresh oregano and mint for a Greek-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Grain Bowl: Substitute orzo with quinoa or brown rice, keep other ingredients the same for a celiac-friendly alternative.
• Protein Power Salad: Add grilled chicken or salmon, include roasted pumpkin seeds, and double the nuts for a more substantial meal option.

Pairings for Warm Orzo Pasta Salad Bowls

Select a light, acidic white like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the sweet butternut squash and balance the tangy balsamic dressing.

Mix a gin cocktail with rosemary or thyme to echo the herb notes in the dish and highlight the earthy flavors of pecans and roasted squash.

Serve alongside a crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to add texture and help soak up the delicious vinaigrette.

Enjoy a spiced apple cider or craft hard apple ale to amplify the seasonal warmth and nutty undertones of the salad.

How to Store Warm Orzo Pasta Salad

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The salad might lose some crispness, but flavors will continue to blend.
• Warm the orzo salad in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Let the salad sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and allow flavors to meld naturally.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the arugula and feta will lose texture and become watery when thawed.

FAQs

• Is orzo pasta different from regular pasta?

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta made from semolina flour, smaller and more compact than traditional pasta shapes, giving dishes a unique texture and appearance.

• Can I use another type of squash for this recipe?

Kabocha or acorn squash work great as alternatives to butternut squash, offering similar sweet and nutty flavors and roasting beautifully.

• How do I toast pecans for the salad?

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a 350F oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

• Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian-friendly, using ingredients like orzo, roasted squash, feta cheese, pecans, and arugula without any meat products.

Warm Orzo Pasta Salad With Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Warm Orzo Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash offers a delightful blend of roasted squash, feta, and herbs. Hearty ingredients mingle in this comforting dish that welcomes you to savor each colorful, nourishing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish and Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup fresh arugula or baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) for roasting the butternut squash.
2. Cube the butternut squash and coat with olive oil, seasoning with thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Spread the seasoned squash pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even caramelization.
4. Roast the squash for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan midway to achieve uniform golden edges and tender texture.
5. Cook orzo pasta following package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
6. Create a vibrant dressing by whisking balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and remaining olive oil until smooth and well-integrated.
7. Combine the warm orzo pasta with roasted butternut squash in a large mixing bowl.
8. Fold in crumbled feta cheese, providing creamy texture and tangy flavor.
9. Sprinkle toasted pecans and dried cranberries for added crunch and sweetness.
10. Gently mix in fresh arugula leaves for a peppery green element.
11. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss delicately to distribute flavors evenly.
12. Serve immediately while ingredients are still warm for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting honey levels in the dressing, making it more or less intense based on personal preference.
• Roast butternut squash until golden brown edges appear for enhanced caramelization and deeper flavor development.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free option by replacing orzo with quinoa or rice, maintaining the same delicious texture and taste profile.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to create a quick weeknight meal, storing roasted squash and cooked orzo separately in refrigerator for faster assembly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 269 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 324 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg