Winter Pasta Salad
Nutrient-packed pasta salad made with whole wheat pasta, winter veggies and tossed in an easy balsamic dressing.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry whole wheat pasta (rotini, ziti, or bowties) about 2 cups dry pasta
- 2 cups butternut squash cubed small
- 2.5 cups brussels sprouts shaved or sliced thin
- 1 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt + black pepper
- 1 tsp balsamic glaze more to taste
- 1 red bell pepper sliced thin and chopped
- 1/2 small red onion sliced thin and chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese more to taste
Winter salad dressing
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic freshly minced or microplaned
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat to 425 degrees.
- Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- While pasta is boiling, line a sheet pan with parchment paper and add butternut squash. Drizzle with ½ tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes until easily pierced with a fork and slightly browned, mixing halfway. When finished, set aside and cool or transfer to a bowl in the fridge to cool down quickly.
- Next, prepare the brussels sprouts. In a medium sized sauté pan, heat ½ tbsp of olive oil on medium heat and add shaved brussels with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until slightly softened with browned edges, about 5-6 minutes. Finish by drizzling with about a teaspoon of balsamic glaze and stirring to coat.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together all dressing ingredients: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper. Whisk until fully emulsified.
- In a large serving bowl add cooked pasta, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, red onion, bell pepper, and feta cheese. Add dressing and toss pasta salad gently until completely combined.
- Serve with additional feta or parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 282mg | Potassium: 394mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 5995IU | Vitamin C: 67mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 3mg
