It was a chilly autumn evening, and the scent of roasted vegetables filled the air. I knew it was time to make one of my family’s favorite fall dishes: Harvest Orzo Salad. This vibrant salad, bursting with the flavors of the season, is always a hit.
This Harvest Orzo Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty. The roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and red onion bring a symphony of flavors and textures, while the maple-balsamic dressing adds a touch of sweetness and tang. It’s simple to prepare, yet elegant enough for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love It
This Harvest Orzo Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, and here’s why:
- Flavorful and Festive: The combination of roasted fall vegetables and tangy maple-balsamic dressing creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or a potluck contribution, this salad adapts to any occasion.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the roasted vegetables, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence.
Harvest Orzo Salad
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
## Better-Than-Grandma Tips
Roasting Tip: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the vegetables some space so they roast evenly and get nice and crispy.
Dressing Power: Make the dressing ahead of time and let the flavors meld. It gets even better overnight! This Maple Balsamic Dressing is also a great choice for roasted veggies!
Cheese Please: Wait to add the goat cheese until the salad has cooled down a bit. This prevents it from melting into a gooey mess.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and red onion with avocado oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo and roasted vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Once the salad has cooled slightly, crumble the goat cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
## That’s a Wrap
This Harvest Orzo Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s the kind of salad that makes you excited for lunchtime. Whether you’re meal prepping or just want a fresh and healthy dish, this recipe is a winner! Don’t forget to check out our other delicious salad recipes for more inspiration, like this Summer Pasta Salad.
Share your orzo salad creations on social media! We love seeing your culinary adventures on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Harvest Orzo Salad:
- Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta is the base of our salad. Choose your favorite type!
- Butternut Squash: Roasted butternut squash adds sweetness and a beautiful orange hue.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a bit of sharpness and vibrant color.
- Brussels Sprouts: Shredded Brussels sprouts contribute a slightly peppery flavor and satisfying texture.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder enhances the savory notes of the salad.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the flavors and brings out the sweetness of the vegetables.
- Avocado Oil Spray: A light coating of avocado oil helps the vegetables roast to perfection.
- Goat Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy element.
- For the dressing: Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and water create a perfectly balanced maple-balsamic vinaigrette.
From Start to Finish
Step 1: Prep the Orzo
Cook the orzo according to the package directions. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). On a sheet pan, toss the butternut squash, shredded Brussels sprouts, and red onion with avocado oil spray and salt.
Step 3: Bake
Roast the vegetables for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and water.
Step 5: Combine
In a large bowl, add the cooked orzo, roasted vegetables, and dressing. Toss gently to combine. Allow the salad to cool slightly before adding the crumbled goat cheese.
Step 6: Serve
Sprinkle with the crumbled goat cheese and serve immediately or chill for later.
Smart Tips & Tricks
- For a richer flavor, roast the vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil instead of using an avocado oil spray.
- If you don’t have goat cheese, feta cheese or crumbled blue cheese are excellent substitutes.
- To make this salad ahead of time, roast the vegetables and cook the orzo separately. Combine them with the dressing just before serving.
- For more fall-inspired dishes, check out our collection of Desserts.
Make It Your Way
- Add protein: To make this salad a complete meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans.
- Change up the veggies: Feel free to substitute other seasonal vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a touch of heat.
- Explore more flavor combinations in our Breakfast recipes for inspiration.
Is orzo pasta salad healthy?
Orzo pasta salad can be a healthy option, especially when it’s packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein. The orzo itself provides carbohydrates for energy, and the vegetables contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This Harvest Orzo Salad, with its roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and red onion, offers a good balance of nutrients.
What dressing to put on orzo salad?
The best dressing for orzo salad depends on your taste preferences and the other ingredients in the salad. A light vinaigrette, like the maple balsamic dressing in this recipe, is a great option. You can also try a lemon-herb dressing, a creamy pesto dressing, or even a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing.
Do you rinse orzo for pasta salad?
Rinsing orzo after cooking is recommended, especially if you’re using it in a pasta salad. Rinsing helps to remove excess starch, which can make the salad gummy. It also cools the orzo down quickly, preventing it from continuing to cook and becoming mushy. Be sure to drain the orzo well after rinsing.
What’s so special about orzo?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that’s incredibly versatile. Its small size makes it perfect for salads, soups, and side dishes. It cooks quickly, absorbs flavors well, and has a pleasant, slightly chewy texture. Plus, its unique shape adds visual interest to any dish.
How to Serve
This Harvest Orzo Salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or as part of a larger meal. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. You can also add a scoop of your favorite Dinner recipe for a hearty and flavorful meal.
That’s a Wrap
This Harvest Orzo Salad is a delightful and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of fall. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a festive holiday gathering. Try making a big batch for meal prep and enjoy it throughout the week! For more delicious and easy recipes, check out our Lunch category. Connect with us on social media for daily inspiration and cooking tips! Find us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
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