Butternut Squash Pasta Salad is a tasty and healthy dish that is perfect for any meal. It combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the crunch of pecans and the tartness of cranberries. This salad is colorful, nutritious, and satisfying.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great because it is simple and full of flavor. It uses seasonal ingredients, is packed with nutrients, and can be enjoyed warm or cold. It’s a wonderful way to include more vegetables in your diet!

How to Make Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (such as orzo or fusilli)
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a baking sheet, toss the diced butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Spread them out in a single layer and roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
While the vegetables roast, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and maple syrup. Pour this dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to combine.
Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve either cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

You can serve this pasta salad as a main dish or a side dish. It goes well with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also great for potlucks or picnics!

How to Store Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after storing, you can add a little olive oil before serving.

Tips to Make Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

Make sure to cut the butternut squash into small, even pieces for even roasting.
For extra flavor, you can add cheese like feta or goat cheese.
Feel free to swap out the Brussels sprouts with other veggies like spinach or kale.

Variation

You can add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make this salad more filling. If you want a different flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like!
Is this salad gluten-free? You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Can I make this salad in advance? Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve.