Description
A delightful Fall Harvest Orzo Salad featuring roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, and a maple vinaigrette, perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups Orzo Pasta (can be substituted with gluten-free options)
- 2 cups Butternut Squash (peeled and cubed)
- 1 cup Brussels Sprouts (halved)
- 1 small Red Onion (sliced)
- 1 cup Crisp Apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (can be swapped with raisins)
- 1/4 cup Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (or walnuts/pecans)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
- 4 oz Goat Cheese (or feta cheese)
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar (can substitute with red wine vinegar)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard (or whole grain mustard)
- 2 tbsp Pure Maple Syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic)
- to taste Salt (adjust according to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a large sheet pan, arrange the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and red onion. Spray with avocado oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until tender and golden brown.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, and salt.
- Once the vegetables are roasted and cooled slightly, add them to the bowl with the cooked orzo. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to combine.
- Add crumbled goat cheese and fresh herbs, folding gently to avoid breaking the cheese.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for better flavor melding.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting and mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg