Orzo with Roasted Cauliflower, Dried Fruit, and Pistachios in Citrus and Cumin Dressing
Warm and savory flavors prevail in a Mediterranean-inspired orzo salad featuring roasted cauliflower, dried apricots, figs and currants and pistachios -- all tossed together in an orange and cumin dressing.
Equipment
- large pot
- large rimmed baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 pound orzo pasta prepared according to package directions
- 1 medium head cauliflower trimmed and cut/broken into small florets
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced in ½”
- ⅓ cup diced dried apricots
- ⅓ cup currants
- ⅓ cup diced dried figs
- Juice from an orange
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
- 3 scallions white and light green part, sliced
Citrus and Cumin Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil or to taste
- ¼ cup Champagne vinegar substitute white wine vinegar
- Juice from half an orange
- 1-½ teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1-½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cardamon
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
- pinch salt or to taste
- 1 pinch ground black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or tin foil. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and several grinds of pepper and spread evenly onto the baking sheet. Place onion slices on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 25 to 35 minutes, or until tender and starting to brown around the edges.
- Meanwhile, place apricots, currants and figs in a small microwave-safe bowl, squeeze the orange over the top, adding water to cover. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds or until the water simmers. Remove and let them sit for 15 - 20 minutes to plump. Drain slightly if necessary.
- Prepare dressing: Add all ingredients to a small bowl or measuring cup and whisk together until emulsified.
- Remove cauliflower and onions from oven and dice the onions. Add cooked orzo to a large bowl. Add cauliflower, diced onions, dried fruit, pistachios and scallions. Toss with dressing and serve.