Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe Little Spice Jar

When the air turns cooler and the leaves start to change colors, it’s the perfect time to embrace the flavors of the season. This Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash is a delightful combination of harvest-inspired ingredients that will warm your soul and tickle your taste buds. The creamy pearl couscous pairs perfectly with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash, creating a dish that is both comforting and flavorful. This recipe is a wonderful addition to any fall gathering or a cozy night in by the fire. Let’s get cooking!

Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl couscous
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Roast the seasoned butternut squash in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized. Be sure to stir halfway through roasting to cook the squash evenly.
4. While the squash is roasting, prepare the pearl couscous. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over medium heat.
5. Add the pearl couscous to the boiling broth, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the couscous is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Fluff with a fork.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pearl couscous, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and fresh parsley. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
7. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and toss again to evenly coat the ingredients.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve the Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional parsley and pecans for a delightful presentation.

The combination of the savory pearl couscous with the sweet and earthy roasted butternut squash creates a beautiful harmony of flavors that celebrates the essence of fall. The bursts of cranberries and crunch of pecans add a perfect balance of texture to every bite. This salad not only looks stunning on the table but also delivers on taste, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. Embrace the autumn season with this delicious recipe that will undoubtedly become a favorite in your cozy home.