Fall is a lovely season filled with vibrant colors and cozy flavors, making it the perfect time to enjoy comforting dishes like Best Fall Harvest Orzo. This delightful recipe features roasted vegetables and creamy goat cheese, creating a warm and satisfying meal that celebrates the essence of fall.

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Why You’ll Love This Best Fall Harvest Orzo

You’ll fall head over heels for this Best Fall Harvest Orzo. It combines savory roasted butternut squash, tender Brussels sprouts, and caramelized red onions. The earthy flavors shine through, enhanced by a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

Best Fall Harvest Orzo

A comforting dish featuring roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and creamy goat cheese, paired with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette a perfect celebration of fall flavors.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Vegetarian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

For the Roasted Vegetables

12 ounces diced butternut squash
2 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 spray avocado oil for roasting
1/2 teaspoon salt for roasting vegetables

For the Orzo and Vinaigrette

3 cups cooked orzo (from approximately 1 cup dry)
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese, softened
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (grade A dark preferred)
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste sea salt

Instructions

Preparation

Prepare orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange diced butternut squash, shaved Brussels sprouts, and sliced red onion on a baking sheet. Lightly coat with avocado oil spray, then sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until vegetables are tender and caramelized. Remove from oven.
Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, water, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified. Adjust salt to taste.
In a large bowl, mix cooked orzo, roasted vegetables, and vinaigrette until evenly coated. Allow to cool slightly.
When the salad reaches room temperature, scatter crumbled goat cheese on top. For a creamier texture, gently toss the cheese in. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Consider garnishing with chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness. Adjust seasoning if needed before combining with orzo.

Keyword Autumn Recipes, comfort food, Fall Harvest Orzo, Roasted Vegetables, Vegan Option

With minimal prep and easy steps, this dish becomes a go-to for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Plus, it’s versatile, delicious cold or warm, making it suitable for any occasion.

How to Make Best Fall Harvest Orzo

Ingredients:

12 ounces diced butternut squash
2 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Avocado oil spray
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups cooked orzo (from approximately 1 cup dry)
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese, softened
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (grade A dark preferred)
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sea salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange diced butternut squash, shaved Brussels sprouts, and sliced red onion on a baking sheet. Lightly coat with avocado oil spray, then sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until vegetables are tender and caramelized. Remove from oven.
Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, water, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified. Adjust salt to taste.
In a large bowl, mix cooked orzo, roasted vegetables, and vinaigrette until evenly coated. Allow to cool slightly.
When the salad reaches room temperature, scatter crumbled goat cheese on top. For a creamier texture, gently toss the cheese in. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Best Fall Harvest Orzo

Serve Best Fall Harvest Orzo as a main dish or a hearty side. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or turkey bacon for a satisfying protein boost. You can also enjoy it on its own as a filling vegetarian meal. For added freshness, consider garnishing with chopped herbs like parsley or thyme.

How to Store Best Fall Harvest Orzo

You can store leftovers of Best Fall Harvest Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a stir and check if you need to add a bit more vinaigrette to refresh the flavors. If you’re freezing it, place portions in freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for the best quality.

Tips to Make Best Fall Harvest Orzo Perfect

Uniform Cutting: Ensure you dice the butternut squash and slice the Brussels sprouts evenly for consistent cooking.
Roasting: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting vegetables; this allows them to caramelize better.
Vinaigrette: Feel free to customize the vinaigrette by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Flavor Variations

Mix things up with these flavor variations for your Best Fall Harvest Orzo:

Cheese Swap: Replace goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a different taste.
Nuts and Seeds: Add toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Dried Fruits: Consider mixing in dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet contrast.

Pro Tips for Success

Always taste your roasted vegetables. Adjust seasoning if needed before combining them with orzo.
If using pre-cooked orzo, warm it slightly in the microwave to enhance flavor when combining.
If you need a vegan option, eliminate goat cheese and replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

FAQs About Best Fall Harvest Orzo

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roasted vegetables and vinaigrette a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers and combine them with the cooked orzo just before serving to maintain freshness.

What can I use instead of goat cheese?
If you want to swap goat cheese, you can go for feta cheese, which offers a similar tanginess. Plant-based cheese alternatives also work well if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely. For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or chickpeas. This addition not only boosts protein content but also rounds out the dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Best Fall Harvest Orzo is a delightful, comforting dish that captures the flavors of the season. Its combination of roasted vegetables, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette makes it a winner for any table. Whether you serve it as a side or a main course, this recipe is sure to please everyone. Give it a try, and enjoy the wonderful taste of fall!