Roasted Cauliflower, Feta, & Orzo Salad

I've mentioned before how much I like Chrissy Teigen's cookbook Cravings. I've tried out her Dump and Done Ramen Salad, and we loved it, so I was anxious to try another one of her recipes. The Roasted Cauliflower, Feta, & Orzo Salad stood out to me because it just seemed different and unlike any flavors I'd tried together before. And it didn't disappoint. Seriously, one of the best salads I've ever made. And the good thing is, you can serve it as a salad, a side, or it's even filling enough to stand alone. The flavors just go really, really well...the creaminess of the feta and the sweetness of the dried cherries just seem like they were meant to pair with the roasted cauliflower and spinach. Plus the red onion packs some punch. I thought it tasted great as soon as it was ready as well as the next day after being refrigerated.

 

Roasted Cauliflower, Feta, & Orzo Salad

{Cravings Cookbook}

 

1 small head cauliflower, broken into small florets (about 5 cups)

4 Tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup orzo pasta

 

3 Tablespoons olive oil

3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

2/3 cup dried cherries

4 cups baby spinach

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

 

In a bowl, toss the cauliflower with 3 Tablespoons of the olive oil, the garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until softened and the edges are charred, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool and set aside.

 

Meanwhile, in a pot of salted boiling water, cook the orzo according to the package directions, but for one or two minutes less than called for (just so it's underdone). Drain in a colander, rinse under cold water, drain well, and toss with the remaining 1 Tablespoon oil right in the colander.

 

In a big bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked orzo, roasted cauliflower, onion, feta, and cherries and toss until coated with the dressing. Throw the spinach on top and toss one more time. Taste, and add more salt if you'd like.

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I hope everyone has a happy day. Anyone else think it feels like a Wednesday?