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Fall Harvest Orzo

Delicious Fall Harvest Orzo Salad You’ll Love This Season

Enjoy the essence of fall with this Fall Harvest Orzo Salad, featuring roasted butternut squash, apples, cranberries, and a sweet maple vinaigrette.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Can be substituted with gluten-free orzo.
  • 2 cups Butternut Squash Diced and roasted.
  • 2 cups Brussels Sprouts Shaved.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Sliced, can be roasted or used raw.
  • 1 medium Crisp Apples Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Can be swapped with raisins or chopped dates.
  • 1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds Can be replaced with walnuts or pecans.
  • 4 oz Goat Cheese Can omit for dairy-free version.
For the Maple Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Use high-quality oil.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 2 tbsp Pure Maple Syrup Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder Can substitute with fresh garlic.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Sheet Pan
  • mixing bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo in a colander and allow it to cool slightly.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large sheet pan, spread out the diced butternut squash, sliced red onion, and shaved Brussels sprouts. Lightly spray with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  3. While the vegetables are roasting, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, and a splash of water in a small bowl. Stir until emulsified and smooth.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled orzo with the roasted vegetables and pour the prepared dressing over the top. Toss everything together gently.
  5. Once the salad has cooled to room temperature, crumble the goat cheese over the top or fold it in gently.
  6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg

Notes

The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Avoid reheating to maintain texture.

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