Roasted butternut squash and pear pasta salad is tossed in a maple mustard dressing. This salad has sweetness, crunch, richness, and a bit of zip. Perfect for an autumn dinner or lunch (and it's 100% vegan!).
Course
Main Course, Salad
Category
vegan
Prep Time25minutes
Cook Time35minutes
Total Time1hour
Servings4
Calories503kcal
AutorElle
Ingredients
For the salad:
1small butternut squash,cubed into 2,5 cm pieces (max 1kg)
1large pear (firm but ripe),peeled, cored and cubed
1tablespoonolive oil
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper,to taste
350gdried pasta(e.g Torchiette or other small pasta)
1small red onion,diced
3tablespoonsfinely chopped flat-leaf parsley
50gpumpkin seeds,lightly toasted
3-4handfuls arugula leaves
For the dressing:
4tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
2tablespoonsapple cider vinegar(Unfiltered)
1 ½tablespoonswhole grain mustard
2teaspoonsmaple syrup
1small garlic clove,minced
1/4teaspooncinnamon
pinchof cayenne pepper
1teaspooncoarse sea salt,or to taste
freshly ground black pepper,to taste
Method
Preheat oven to 400°F / 200ºC (180°C fan-assisted) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Transfer the cubed butternut squash and pear to the prepared baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, spread into an even layer and season with salt. Roast in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, gently tossing halfway through, until fork tender.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water, according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water (this stops cooking and removes excess starch). Shake off excess water and transfer to a large bowl.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the dressing (oil, vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, garlic, spices, salt, pepper) ingredients.
Add chopped seeds to a small pan over medium heat and toast for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
When the pasta is done cooking, drain and add to a bowl, then add parsley and stir together. Add in vegetables, dressing and toasted nuts and toss to combine until well coated. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For a relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen I recommend my personal Elle Republic: Chilled Out Kitchen Tunes Playlist on Spotify.