Butternut Squash Orzo Salad with Candied Bacon—Spicy, smoky, candy, roasted butternut squash is tossed along with orzo pasta, torn kale, salty crisp candied bacon (so yummy), roasted pumpkin seeds, and creamy goat cheese (or use salty feta cheese). It’s then dressed properly with a candy and tangy balsamic French dressing. This can be a fantastic salad to share all season lengthy, with fairly colours and scrumptious taste!

It’s lastly time once more for giant fall salads, heat bowls of pasta, apples in all the pieces, and cozier meals. I like this time of 12 months. Everyone knows this, however I like the recipes I create for fall much more.

I don’t know what it’s about these September, October, November, and even December months, however I by no means appear to lack recipe ideas. I get so excited to share my fall content material all through these months!

I’ve been ready for weeks to share this heat butternut squash salad, and I’m so glad it’s lastly right here!

I spent some time on this recipe, perfecting the spices, adjusting the dressing, and even deciding on the right cheese. It took me a few week to develop, however the time was value it.

This can be a particular butternut squash salad. It has spicy, smoky flavors, notes of cinnamon, and even slightly sweetness. Normally, it’s a extremely fantastic September salad that eases us into fall.

And I’ve to say, the candied bacon, squash, and goat cheese are a mixture I didn’t know I might love a lot—however it’s scrumptious!!

Let’s get into the small print

Step 1: roast the squash and prepare dinner the bacon

You need to begin this recipe by cooking the squash, because it takes longer to prepare dinner. I toss the cubes of butternut squash with smoked paprika, chili powder, and a splash (or two) of cinnamon, then season with salt and pepper.

This spicy combine is nice. It has a small quantity of heat smokiness, spice, and sweetness.

I push the squash to 1 aspect of the pan, and on the opposite, I toss the bacon with rosemary, maple syrup, and cayenne, then scatter the bacon across the squash.

Bake the squash and bacon collectively till the squash is gentle and the bacon is tender. They need to prepare dinner in nearly the identical period of time.

Step 2: prepare dinner the orzo and toss the salad

Whereas the squash is cooking, boil the orzo, then toss it with the kale and toasted pepitas in a giant salad bowl.

I prefer to toss the orzo with the kale whereas it’s heat. The warmth from the orzo helps to melt the uncooked kale.

Step 3: combine the French dressing

For the French dressing, I used one in all my favorites: balsamic! We’re going to shake collectively high-quality olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fig jam, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

Then I like so as to add some contemporary thyme too. You can additionally use sage or rosemary.

Step 4: end the salad

When the squash and bacon are accomplished, add them to the salad. Add the creamy, crumbled goat cheese, perhaps some further French dressing, after which give all of it a toss-up.

Personally, I like this salad finest when it’s heat, however you may simply chill and serve it, too. As a result of we’re utilizing kale, this can be a nice salad to meal prep/make upfront. The kale really does higher with a while to sit down and take up the French dressing flavors.

This salad will likely be nice for upcoming fall dinners with associates. I’d even add this salad to my Thanksgiving menu. Is anybody else already beginning to plan their vacation meal? I can’t consider how briskly the vacation season is approaching!

In search of different salad recipes? Listed here are a number of concepts: 

Fall Harvest Roasted Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad

Shredded Brussels Sprout Bacon Salad with Heat Cider French dressing

Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts

Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Lastly, in case you make this Butternut Squash Orzo Salad with Candied Bacon, make sure you depart a remark and/or give this recipe a score! Above all, I like to listen to from you guys and at all times do my finest to answer each remark. And, in fact, in case you make this recipe, don’t overlook to tag me on Instagram! Trying via the photographs of recipes you all have made is my favourite!