Charred Cauliflower Orzo.

This cauliflower orzo is one of our favorite side dishes. Charred, roasted cauliflower, dilly lemon dressing and tender orzo are combined with feta cheese, toasted pine nuts and tons of fresh herbs. So delicious and versatile!

I’ve got this dish on repeat.

This charred cauliflower orzo salad is filled with feta cheese, crunchy pine nuts, tons of fresh herbs and a delish dressing. It’s easy, comes together fast and lasts great in the fridge! 

Dishes like this might just be my signature. Hearty pasta-based salads that are packed with flavor and texture and can be used in a multitude of ways.

Adore it. 

I love my charred cauliflower carbonara so much. I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate that cauliflower, and I’m so excited that I’ve found it.

It sounds crazy, but I’ve always said that roasted cauliflower tastes like popcorn. Not fully like popcorn, but it takes on a toasty, buttery flavor and it was one of the first vegetables I learned to enjoy. It’s easy and simple and doesn’t require a lot, and you know when I can eat a vegetable with parmesan, it’s good. 

I love that this salad can be served warm or at room temperature. Or even cold straight out of the fridge. It can be both a main dish and a side dish, served over greens as a salad or even the base for another protein. 

We’ve added chicken, chickpeas and I’ve even thrown some tuna in here.

It’s good! 

Here’s how it comes together! 

I roast some cauliflower to the high heavens. Get it TOASTY. Those dark bits of flavor are what makes this dish shine. 

While the cauliflower roasts, I cook the orzo. If you’re serving this as a chilled/room temp salad, you can even cook the orzo ahead of time and store it in the fridge! 

I also get all of my other ingredients ready. I toast some pine nuts, chop a ton of fresh herbs, crumble some feta cheese and make the dressing.

As usual, the dressing is one of my favorite parts. I like to serve this with a dilly lemon vinaigrette and it’s super easy. Whisk it all together and boom, done. And! It can be made ahead of time.

Next, throw everything in the bowl. I do like to toss the orzo with some of the dressing first just to get everything coated and incorporated.  (more…)

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