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Easy Roasted Cauliflower, Feta, and Orzo Salad photo

Roasted Cauliflower, Feta, and Orzo Salad

A bright, hearty salad with roasted cauliflower, tender orzo, tangy feta, and sweet dried cherries in a lemon‑honey dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small cauliflower, broken into small florets about 5 cups
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided (3 Tbsp for roasting, 1 Tbsp for orzo)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt for cauliflower
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for cauliflower
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2/3 cup dried cherries
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for dressing
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste for dressing and final seasoning

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Large Bowl
  • Pot
  • Colander
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast until tender and lightly charred, 20–25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  4. While the cauliflower roasts, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente according to package instructions. Drain in a colander, rinse under cold water, drain well, and toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to keep the grains separate.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste to make the dressing.
  6. Add the cooked orzo, roasted cauliflower, sliced red onion, crumbled feta, and dried cherries to the dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
  7. Fold in the baby spinach and toss gently until the spinach is slightly wilted and the salad is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Recipe adapted from Cravings by Chrissy Teigen.