Description
A vibrant and hearty salad featuring crispy parmesan-coated orzo, roasted sweet potatoes, fresh kale, apples, dates, and juicy pomegranate seeds, all tossed in a zesty orange maple vinaigrette. It’s the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and citrusy brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups chopped kale
- 1 medium sweet potato, diced
- 1 large red apple, chopped
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped dates
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil for roasting
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. In a separate pot, cook the orzo according to package instructions until just tender.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Spread the sweet potatoes on the sheet pan in a single layer. Roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and caramelized.
- Assemble the Dish: In a non-stick skillet, toss the cooked orzo with parmesan cheese and toast over medium heat until golden and crispy. Let cool slightly. In a small jar, shake together orange juice, maple syrup, vinegar, mustard, and olive oil.
- Cook to Perfection: Massage the chopped kale with a pinch of salt until softened. In a large mixing bowl, combine kale, roasted sweet potatoes, apples, dates, and pomegranate seeds.
- Finishing Touches: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy parmesan orzo on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate in a shallow serving bowl and enjoy immediately while the orzo is still crisp.
Notes
- Massage kale to make it tender and flavorful.
- Add crispy orzo right before serving to retain crunch.
- Chill the vinaigrette for better texture and flavor.
- Store components separately if preparing ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: crispy orzo salad, parmesan orzo, orange maple vinaigrette, sweet potato salad, kale apple salad, vegetarian holiday salad