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Kale Orzo Salad with Maple Lime Vinaigrette

Kale Orzo Salad with Maple Lime Vinaigrette

Enjoy a refreshing Kale Orzo Salad with Maple Lime Vinaigrette, a vibrant dish full of textures and flavors, perfect for gatherings and meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo substitute with any small pasta or gluten-free option
  • 4 cups Kale can substitute with shredded Brussels sprouts or broccoli
  • 1 medium Honeynut Squash can swap with butternut squash or sweet potato
  • 1/2 cup Pistachios for nut allergies, use pepitas or sunflower seeds
  • 1 can Chickpeas alternatives include butter beans or lentils
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries can be replaced with chopped dates or omitted entirely
For the Vinaigrette
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup agave syrup works as an alternative
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil use your preferred brand
  • 1 small Shallots can swap with red onion if needed
  • 1 lime Lime orange juice/zest may also work
  • 2 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar substitute with apple cider or red wine vinegar

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Pot
  • Small Bowl or Jar

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine drained chickpeas and cubed honeynut squash. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss well and spread on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25 minutes.
  3. After 18 minutes, add seasoned kale to the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and massage the kale gently. Roast for the final 7 minutes.
  4. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, usually 7-9 minutes. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside to cool.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine maple syrup, lime juice and zest, white wine vinegar, shallots, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine roasted kale, chickpeas, squash, cooked orzo, chopped parsley, pistachios, and cranberries. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
  7. Serve immediately while warm or let it chill for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7.5gSodium: 270mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 8gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, store the salad undressed. Add dressing just before serving.

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