Description
A cozy roasted butternut squash and apple orzo tossed in a sweet maple cider dressing with creamy goat cheese, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. Perfect as a hearty vegetarian dinner or a beautiful holiday side dish.
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) orzo pasta
3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 medium Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 oz (115 g) goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
2 tbsp dried cranberries
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Maple Cider Dressing:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash and diced apples with olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, thyme, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender and the apples are lightly caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
5. Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
6. Transfer the cooked orzo to a large serving bowl and add the roasted squash and apples.
7. Pour the maple cider dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat.
8. Fold in the goat cheese, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Roast the vegetables in a single layer for the best caramelization.
Honeycrisp apples can be replaced with Pink Lady or Fuji apples.
Feta cheese works well if you don’t have goat cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course / Side Dish
- Method: Roasting & Boiling
- Cuisine: American