🍽️ Mediterranean Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash & Spinach

⭐ Overview

A warm, elegant dish combining tender roasted squash, delicate orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a lemon-herb dressing. It serves beautifully as a vegetarian main or a comforting side.

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🧾 Ingredients (serves 4–5)

For the roasted squash

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1–1.5 cm cubes

• 2–3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Optional: a pinch of chili flakes

For the orzo

• 300 g orzo (about 1½ cups)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups fresh spinach (lightly packed)

• ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional but recommended)

Mediterranean dressing

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1½ tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional additions

• Toasted pine nuts or walnuts

• Fresh basil, parsley, or mint

• A handful of sun-dried tomatoes for deeper Mediterranean flavor

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🍳 Instructions

1. Roast the squash

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss the squash cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and oregano.

3. Spread evenly on a lined baking tray.

4. Roast 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.

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2. Cook the orzo

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook the orzo until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).

3. Drain and toss with 2 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.

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3. Wilt the spinach

1. In a large pan, sauté the garlic gently in a drizzle of olive oil for 1 minute.

2. Add the spinach and cook just until wilted.

3. Add the cooked orzo to the pan and combine.

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4. Prepare the dressing

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.

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5. Assemble

1. Add the roasted squash to the orzo and spinach mixture.

2. Pour the dressing over the warm ingredients and stir gently.

3. Add feta or goat cheese, if using.

4. Finish with herbs or toasted nuts as desired.

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🍴 To Serve

• Serve warm as a main course or room-temperature as a Mediterranean salad.

• Complements grilled fish, roasted chicken, or lamb.

• Stores well for meal prep.