Cuban Pumpkin and Pasta Salad

Jun 07, 2023June 7, 20230 4

A delectable twist on traditional pasta salad: Cuban Pumpkin and Pasta Salad

by The Chefin Salad

Prep

5 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

25 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

2-3

Calories

170

Sugar

Fat

Cuban Pumpkin and Pasta Salad is a fusion of Cuban and Italian cuisine, with the addition of pumpkin puree and traditional Cuban spices. This salad is perfect for summer barbecues or as a light side dish for pasta lovers who want to mix things up. The pureed pumpkin gives a subtle sweetness to the dish, complementing the smoky flavor of the cumin and smoked paprika. The ingredients blend together perfectly to give you a healthy and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

1.	Wash and chop the spinach into bite-sized pieces. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and rinse with cold water.
2.	In a small bowl, mix together the canned pumpkin, cumin, smoked paprika, and ginger.
3.	In a large bowl, toss together the spinach and pasta with the pumpkin mixture, until everything is well coated.

PROS

This salad is a unique twist on traditional pasta salad, with the added flavor of Cuban spices and pumpkin puree.

It is versatile and can be eaten as a side dish or a light main course.

It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for easy meal planning.

CONS

The salad can be slightly dry, so you may want to add a dressing or extra pumpkin puree to moisten it up.

The pumpkin flavor can be overwhelming for some taste buds.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This salad is a healthy alternative to traditional pasta salads, with the added benefits of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the spinach and pumpkin.
Cumin has been linked to reducing inflammation and aiding digestion, while ginger has been linked to decreasing nausea and improving brain function.

	3 cups spinach
	3/4 cup whole wheat pasta
	1/2 cup canned pumpkin
	1/4 teaspoon cumin
	1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
	1/8 teaspoon ginger