There is something deeply satisfying about a salad that celebrates the full bounty of fall. The Best Fall Harvest Orzo Salad does just that with vibrant roasted vegetables, tender orzo pasta, and a tangy vinaigrette that brings it all together. Whether served warm or chilled, it carries the flavors of autumn in every bite.

This salad is the kind of recipe that shines at holiday gatherings or weekday lunches. It looks stunning with its mix of earthy colors and textures, and it tastes even better. With sweet roasted butternut squash, juicy apples, crunchy pecans, and creamy goat cheese, it’s a dish that brings comfort without weighing you down.

Why You’ll Love This Best Fall Harvest Orzo Salad

The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility. It can be a hearty vegetarian main dish or a complementary side. You can prep most of the ingredients in advance, making it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining. And with a zippy maple-Dijon vinaigrette, every forkful bursts with fall flavor.

The combination of roasted and fresh ingredients offers an irresistible contrast. You get soft and crisp, sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy all in one bowl. It’s easy to customize, too — swap nuts, change the cheese, or add chicken for extra protein.

What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

You can use any standard orzo pasta you prefer, whether traditional, whole wheat, or even gluten-free. The key is to cook it until just al dente, then rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking process. This keeps it from getting mushy and allows it to soak up the flavors of the vinaigrette better.

Ingredients for the Best Fall Harvest Orzo Salad

Name: Best Fall Harvest Orzo Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups orzo pasta; 2 cups diced butternut squash; 1 medium apple, diced; ½ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup crumbled goat cheese; ⅓ cup chopped pecans; ¼ cup finely diced red onion; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting); 3 tablespoons olive oil (for vinaigrette); 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Fall produce deserves to shine, and this salad brings together seasonal favorites with pantry staples to create a well-rounded dish. The ingredients balance warmth and brightness, earthiness and sweetness.

Orzo
Butternut squash
Apple
Dried cranberries
Goat cheese
Pecans
Red onion
Olive oil
Maple syrup
Dijon mustard
Apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper

How To Make the Best Fall Harvest Orzo Salad

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread it on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and golden on the edges.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, roasted squash, diced apple, red onion, cranberries, pecans, and crumbled goat cheese. Pour the vinaigrette over and toss until everything is coated evenly.

Step 5: Let It Sit

Allow the salad to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

How to Serve and Store This Fall Harvest Orzo Salad

This salad feeds about 6 to 8 people as a side or 4 as a main dish. It’s fantastic served chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect choice for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

What to Serve With Best Fall Harvest Orzo Salad?

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Pairs beautifully with this orzo salad for a satisfying protein-rich meal Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon

Adds a rich and citrusy contrast to the salad’s sweet notes Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon

Roasted Asparagus

A simply seasoned side that complements the warmth of the roasted squash Roasted Asparagus

Homemade Naan Bread

A soft, chewy addition to scoop up every flavorful bite Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

For a carb-lover’s dream combo, add this pasta alongside Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Want More Salad Ideas with a Seasonal Twist?

If you enjoyed this fall harvest-inspired salad, you might want to explore these vibrant dishes too:

Classic Caprese Salad Recipe for a timeless tomato-and-mozzarella combination.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce if you love light creamy textures.
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce for a flavor-packed protein pairing.
Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps Recipe when you’re craving something fresh and handheld.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can find it easily whenever you’re craving autumn on a plate.

Let me know how it turned out for you! Did you use goat cheese or swap in feta? Toast your pecans or add a hint of cinnamon to the squash?

I’d love to hear your twists and tips. And as always, if you have questions, pop them in the comments!

Explore more beautifully crafted healthy and seasonal recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and get inspired for your next meal!

Conclusion

The Best Fall Harvest Orzo Salad is an ideal celebration of the season. With roasted squash, tart apples, tangy cheese, and a maple vinaigrette, it delivers comfort, contrast, and color. Whether you need a festive side or a fresh, hearty main dish, this salad deserves a spot at your table all fall long.