this Greek Chicken & Roasted Pumpkin Pasta Salad 🎃
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
🍗 Lemon-Herb Chicken
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
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🎃 Roasted Pumpkin
• 2 cups fresh pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt & pepper to taste
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🍝 Pasta & Salad
• 2 cups whole-grain pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese 🧀
• 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
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🥣 Pumpkin-Infused Tzatziki Sauce
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup roasted pumpkin (blended until smooth)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
• 1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Water to thin (if needed)
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🔥 Instructions
1. Marinate & Grill the Chicken
• In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Coat chicken and marinate for 15–30 minutes.
• Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
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2. Roast the Pumpkin
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
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3. Cook the Pasta
• Boil pasta according to package instructions.
• Drain and let cool slightly.
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4. Make the Pumpkin Tzatziki
• In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, blended roasted pumpkin, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Blend until smooth. Add water if needed for a drizzable consistency.
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5. Assemble the Salad
• Toss pasta, spinach, roasted pumpkin cubes, and crumbled feta together in a large bowl.
• Top with slices of grilled chicken and toasted pumpkin seeds.
• Drizzle with creamy pumpkin-infused tzatziki.
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✨ Bright, creamy, and full of flavor—this pasta salad is a celebration of both Greek and fall-inspired ingredients
As the cooler months approach, incorporating seasonal ingredients like pumpkin into your meals is essential. This Greek Chicken & Roasted Pumpkin Pasta Salad not only celebrates the flavors of fall but also provides nourishment. The dish features whole-grain pasta, which is a source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy and helping with digestion due to its high fiber content. Paired with spinach and feta cheese, it offers essential vitamins and a delightful creaminess that complements the roasted pumpkin. Pumpkin, packed with vitamins A and C, promotes eye health and boosts the immune system. Furthermore, the inclusion of grilled chicken provides a protein punch, essential for muscle health and may aid in weight management. The lemon juice in the marinade adds not just flavor but also vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption from the spinach, making this salad a well-rounded meal. For those looking to add variety, consider experimenting with different pasta shapes or adding other seasonal vegetables. You can even substitute the grilled chicken for chickpeas or roasted tofu for a plant-based version. This recipe encourages creativity while ensuring a delicious, nutritious meal is always achievable.
