A delicious Pumpkin Pasta Salad featuring creamy goat cheese and crispy prosciutto, perfect for any occasion.
Author:Alex Lee
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Salad
Method:Roasting and Tossing
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz rotini pasta
3 cups peeled and cubed pumpkin (or butternut squash)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
4 slices prosciutto (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and golden on the edges.
While the pumpkin roasts, cook the rotini according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside.
(If using prosciutto) Place prosciutto slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until crispy. Let cool, then break into pieces.
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted pumpkin, goat cheese, and crispy prosciutto (if using). Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm, at room temp, or chilled—whatever the vibe calls for.
Notes
Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
This salad can be served warm or cold.
Prosciutto is optional and can be omitted for a vegetarian version.