Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne works great)
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 3 cups baby spinach (or mixed greens)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your butternut squash roasts perfectly!
- Prepare the Butternut Squash:
- Peel and dice the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes.
- Spread the squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Toss to coat evenly, and then spread it out in a single layer. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Give it a stir halfway through!
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent sticking.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Combine the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, baby spinach, and crumbled goat cheese.
- Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated. Don’t worry if the goat cheese crumbles a bit—that just adds to the charm!
- Add the Walnuts (optional):
- If you’re using walnuts, toss them in now for that extra crunch.
- Serve:
- Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. If you have leftovers, they’ll taste great the next day, too!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 12g