The holiday season is the perfect time to bring out the best in your cooking, and this Christmas Pasta Salad is the ultimate way to wow your guests with a vibrant and delicious side dish. If you’re looking for a lighter, refreshing addition to your Christmas dinner or gathering, this festive pasta salad checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, beautifully colorful, and packed with flavors that complement the holiday spirit.
Why This Christmas Pasta Salad is Perfect for the Holidays
When it comes to holiday meals, it’s often easy to get caught up in heavy, indulgent dishes. But sometimes, you want something lighter to balance out all the rich foods. This Christmas Pasta Salad does just that. With its mix of tender orzo pasta, roasted squash, and a touch of sweetness from pomegranate seeds, it brings a refreshing, nutritious option to your table. It’s not just a salad—it’s a festive side that fits seamlessly into any holiday spread.
Festive Red and Green Colors
One of the best things about this Christmas Pasta Salad is its vibrant color palette. The rich red pomegranate seeds, the deep green of scallions, and the golden tones of roasted squash make it an eye-catching dish that fits perfectly with the red, green, and white hues we associate with Christmas. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a holiday party, it’s sure to steal the spotlight.
Seasonal Ingredients that Celebrate the Season
Using ingredients that are in season is a great way to elevate your holiday meals. For this Christmas Pasta Salad, the pomegranate seeds add a pop of sweet-tart flavor that’s hard to resist, and the roasted squash brings a hearty, warm element to the dish. These ingredients not only taste amazing but also highlight the beauty of what’s available during the winter months. Best of all, they’re budget-friendly and widely available during the holiday season.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This pasta salad works just as well for a casual holiday gathering as it does for a formal Christmas dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds color and flavor without requiring hours of prep. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re looking for something that can be made in advance. Simply prepare it ahead of time, and when it’s time to serve, you’ll have a dish ready to impress your guests without any last-minute stress.
Customize It for Your Guests
While this Christmas Pasta Salad is delicious on its own, it’s also versatile enough to cater to different tastes. If you’re hosting guests who enjoy cheese, adding feta or goat cheese can take this salad to the next level with an extra creamy and tangy bite. This option also adds a lovely contrast of white to the red and green, enhancing the festive aesthetic.
A Dish That Brings People Together
Food has a magical way of bringing people together, and this salad is no exception. Whether it’s served as a main dish for a vegetarian holiday gathering or as a side to complement a hearty Christmas dinner, this salad is a conversation starter. Its vibrant colors and unique combination of flavors will get your guests talking about the meal long after they’ve finished eating.
Conclusion
This Christmas Pasta Salad is the perfect addition to any holiday spread. It’s not only a beautiful dish but also a delicious and healthy option that balances out the heavier meals typically served during the season. Packed with seasonal ingredients like pomegranate and roasted squash, it’s a salad that celebrates the best of the holiday season while offering a refreshing break from traditional holiday sides. Make it for your next holiday gathering and watch as your guests rave about it!
Why Choose This Christmas Pasta Salad for Your Holiday Meals
- Easy to Make: Quick and simple to prepare, making it a great option for busy holiday schedules.
- Vibrant and Festive: Adds a burst of color to your table with red, green, and gold tones.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Perfectly highlights seasonal produce that is affordable and easy to find during the holidays.
- Customizable: Add feta or goat cheese for extra flavor or make it your own with other seasonal toppings.
This Christmas Pasta Salad offers a delightful balance of flavor and festivity. It’s a go-to dish for anyone looking to bring something fresh, healthy, and eye-catching to their holiday meal.
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Christmas Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This hearty salad combines roasted acorn squash, creamy feta, pomegranate seeds, and flavorful orzo pasta. The warm roasted squash pairs beautifully with the tangy feta, pomegranate’s sweetness, and the light balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing fall dish.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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3 cups cubed acorn squash
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary or sage
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2 teaspoons maple syrup
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
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1 box orzo pasta
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6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
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1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F.
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On a baking sheet, toss together the acorn squash with smoked paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Arrange the squash in an even layer.
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Roast the squash for about 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the squash is tender and lightly browned.
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Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
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Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the roasted acorn squash.
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Add the crumbled feta and pomegranate seeds, then pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
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Serve immediately, or allow the salad to cool slightly before serving for a more refreshing dish.
Notes
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The pomegranate seeds add a delightful crunch and burst of sweetness, making this salad perfect for holiday gatherings or a special weeknight meal.
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For extra flavor, you can roast the acorn squash with some extra rosemary or sage.
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If you’re looking for more protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas can be added to this salad.
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This salad can be served warm or chilled—great for meal prep!
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
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