Inspired by: @sharksmeoow
Looking for a delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or packed lunches? This easy vegan roasted veggie and orzo salad is your new go-to! It's incredibly simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it ideal for meal prepping throughout the week. Plus, it tastes even better as leftovers, allowing you to savor those incredible flavors for days. Say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to a vibrant, satisfying plant-based dish that will keep you energized!
This recipe is designed for anyone seeking effortless, nutritious vegan options. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your plant-based journey, the flexible "add as much as your heart desires" approach ensures a perfect balance of flavors and textures every time.
Why You'll Love This Roasted Veggie & Orzo Salad
- Effortlessly Easy: Minimal steps and flexible measurements make this recipe foolproof.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients that stretch your grocery budget.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes amazing hot or cold, and keeps well for up to a week.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with wholesome vegetables, plant-based protein from chickpeas, and healthy fats.
- Customizable: Easily swap vegetables or add your favorite mix-ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables
- Butternut squash (or sweet potatoes), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Brussel sprouts (or broccoli), trimmed
- Red onion, sliced
Dressing
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Red pepper flakes
- 1 clove fresh garlic, chopped
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Salad Assembly
- Orzo pasta
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- Craisins
- Pumpkin seeds or walnuts
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan for orzo
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the butternut squash (or sweet potatoes), brussel sprouts (or broccoli), and red onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast: Bake the vegetables for 20 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
- Cook Orzo: While the vegetables are roasting, cook the orzo according to package directions in a separate saucepan until al dente. Drain well.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, chopped garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted vegetables, cooked orzo, drained chickpeas, craisins, and pumpkin seeds (or walnuts). Pour the dressing over everything and mix gently until all ingredients are well coated.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy warm or chilled.
Tips & Variations
- Trust Your Taste Buds: The original author's style is wonderfully intuitive. Feel free to adjust ingredient quantities, especially for the dressing, to match your personal preference for flavors, textures, and color.
- Meal Prep Magic: Divide the finished salad into individual containers for quick and easy lunches throughout the week. It truly gets better with time as the flavors meld!
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding baked tofu cubes, tempeh, or your favorite vegan sausage.
- Spice It Up: For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Seasonal Swaps: This recipe is incredibly versatile. In spring, try asparagus and cherry tomatoes. In summer, bell peppers and zucchini would be fantastic. For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free orzo or other small pasta.
Related Recipes to Explore
- Craving another light and flavorful meal? Discover our Vegan Taco Salad Recipe.
- If you love roasted vegetables, try this Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Pasta Recipe for a hearty dish.
- For more easy bowl ideas, check out the Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad Bowl Recipe.
- Looking for a delicious dip? Learn how to make Pumpkin Hummus Recipe.
Make This Recipe!
Ready to simplify your meal planning with a dish that's both healthy and heavenly? Give this Easy Vegan Roasted Butternut Squash & Orzo Salad a try today! We'd love to see your creations. Share your experience and tag us on abillion!
