Description
This cozy Fall Orzo Salad is packed with roasted butternut squash, orzo, fresh veggies, goat cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. A hot honey mustard apple cider vinaigrette ties it all together with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Perfect for a healthy lunch or side dish!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Roasted Butternut Squash:
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 8 oz dry orzo
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 4 oz crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
For the Hot Honey Mustard Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced shallot
Instructions
- Roast the Butternut Squash:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- In a bowl, toss butternut squash with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender inside and crisp outside. Set aside.
- Cook the Orzo:
- Cook orzo in well-salted boiling water, following package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Make the Vinaigrette:
- Blend all dressing ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine orzo, spinach, goat cheese, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, red onion, and roasted butternut squash.
- Drizzle with desired amount of dressing and toss until well combined.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
- Make it a meal by adding grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
- For meal prep, store the dressing separately and toss before serving.
- Swap goat cheese for feta or Parmesan for a different twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg