Description
This cozy Fall Harvest Orzo Salad is packed with roasted butternut squash, caramelized Brussels sprouts, sweet red onions, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a maple balsamic vinaigrette. It’s warm, hearty, colorful, and perfect for weeknights, holidays, and meal prep. A true autumn favorite!
Ingredients
For the Salad
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Avocado oil spray
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12 oz diced butternut squash
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3 cups cooked orzo
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1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled (room temperature)
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2 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 tsp salt
For the Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
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1/3 cup olive oil
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2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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2 tbsp pure maple syrup (Grade A dark preferred)
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1 tbsp water
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2 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Extra sea salt, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the Orzo
Cook the orzo according to the package directions. Drain and let cool slightly. If using pre-cooked orzo, skip this step. -
Roast the Vegetables
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the butternut squash, red onion, and shaved Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan. Spray with avocado oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized. -
Make the Maple Balsamic Dressing
Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, water, and sea salt in a bowl or jar until smooth and emulsified. Adjust salt to taste. -
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, roasted vegetables, and dressing. Toss gently until everything is coated. -
Add Goat Cheese & Serve
Let the salad cool slightly, then top with crumbled goat cheese. Toss for creaminess or leave scattered for flavor bursts. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
This salad stores beautifully—refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Add toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
Feta can replace goat cheese if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: Roasting & Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg