Best 9 Blue Cheese Orzo Salad Recipes

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Welcome to a culinary journey that combines the tangy boldness of blue cheese with the delicate heartiness of orzo pasta. Our Blue Cheese Orzo Salad is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This versatile dish can be served as a refreshing main course, a delectable side, or an elegant appetizer at your next gathering. Our recipe collection features three variations of this classic salad, each with its unique charm. First, the classic Blue Cheese Orzo Salad blends the creamy richness of blue cheese with the nutty flavor of toasted walnuts, the freshness of crisp celery, and the subtle sweetness of dried cranberries. Next, the Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Orzo Salad adds a vibrant medley of sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic basil pesto, and salty Parmesan cheese, creating a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Finally, the Roasted Butternut Squash and Blue Cheese Orzo Salad introduces a warm and comforting element with roasted butternut squash, earthy sage, and a hint of maple syrup, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savory.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

CARAMELIZED ONION AND BLUE CHEESE ORZO



Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese Orzo image

Rissoni, also known as semi di melone, or any other short soup pasta can be used for this dish.

Provided by Lindsay Perejma

Categories     Side Dish

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound uncooked orzo pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 onions, sliced
6 ½ ounces blue cheese, crumbled
3 ½ ounces mascarpone cheese
2 cups shredded spinach
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • While pasta is cooking, heat butter and oil in a large skillet over low heat. Cook onion in this mixture until golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from pan with a spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • In a large bowl, combine blue cheese, mascarpone and onion and mix well. Toss cheese mixture with spinach and pasta, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 872.8 calories, Carbohydrate 97.3 g, Cholesterol 80.5 mg, Fat 42.4 g, Fiber 5.5 g, Protein 29 g, SaturatedFat 20.3 g, Sodium 717.5 mg, Sugar 10.2 g

BLUE CHEESE SPINACH ORZO SAUCE



Blue Cheese Spinach Orzo Sauce image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 pound orzo, cooked and cooled
3 cups crumbled blue cheese
1 tablespoon salt and white pepper blend
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup diced tomato

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the butter to melt. Once the butter has melted, reduce the heat, add the flour and stir to create a roux; the roux should be pale blond in color. Once the roux is made, reduce the heat again to low, add the milk, stirring into the roux and cooking until the roux has thickened. Finally, add the blue cheese, 1 cup at a time, until all the cheese has been added and well blended. Season with the salt and pepper blend. Remove from the heat and continue to stir to ensure consistency.
  • Once the sauce has been prepared, add the orzo, spinach and tomatoes and stir to incorporate into the cream sauce. Allow the orzo to warm with the sauce, then remove from the heat and serve. This has a shelf life of 5 days.

ORZO SALAD



Orzo Salad image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups orzo
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups red and yellow teardrop tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
About 3/4 cup Red Wine Vinaigrette, recipe follows
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Pour the broth into a heavy large saucepan. Cover the pan and bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Stir in the orzo. Cover partially and cook until the orzo is tender but still firm to the bite, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Drain the orzo through a strainer. Transfer the orzo to a large wide bowl and toss until the orzo cools slightly. Set aside to cool completely.
  • Toss the orzo with the beans, tomatoes, onion, basil, mint, and enough vinaigrette to coat. Season the salad, to taste, with salt and pepper, and serve at room temperature.
  • Mix the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil. Season the vinaigrette, to taste, with more salt and pepper, if desired.
  • Yield: 1 3/4 cups

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD



Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

You'll love this easy orzo salad loaded with chopped veggies, fresh herbs and other Mediterranean favorites. Tossed in a bold lemony dressing. For the best flavor, dress the Mediterranean orzo salad while the orzo is still a little warm. Pasta that hasn't cooled completely will drink up the dressing really well. And allow the salad to sit for at least a few minutes (or up to an hour in the fridge) for the flavors to meld before serving.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Salad

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 ½ cup dry orzo pasta
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, (halved)
2 green onions, (trimmed and chopped (both white and green parts))
½ green bell pepper, (seeds removed, chopped)
1 cup packed chopped fresh parsley, (about 1 ½ ounces)
½ cup packed chopped fresh dill, (about 0.5 ounces)
¼ cup sliced pitted kalamata olives, (about 1 ounce)
2 teaspoons capers
Feta cheese, (to your liking)
1 lemon, (zested and juiced)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, (minced)
1 teaspoon oregano

Steps:

  • Cook the orzo pasta according package instructions (mine took about 8 minutes). Drain and cool briefly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the grape tomatoes, green onions, bell peppers, parsley, dill, olives and capers (hold the feta for now). Add the orzo pasta.
  • Make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined and the orzo pasta is well coated with the dressing.
  • Top with pieces of creamy feta cheese. Cover and refrigerate for a bit before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 111.1 kcal, Carbohydrate 6.9 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Cholesterol 0.4 mg, Sodium 39.4 mg, Fiber 2.3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD



Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

This light and refreshing cold pasta salad is loaded with the flavors of the Mediterranean, and pairs well with grilled proteins, such as fish, pork, chicken or steak. If you make this in advance, reserve a bit of the dressing to add right before serving, as the pasta has a tendency to soak up the dressing as it sits over time.

Provided by Kim's Cooking Now

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta
½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup diced red onion
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup pitted Mediterranean olives, cut in half
1 cup finely diced Asiago cheese
1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh garlic
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
½ lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain well. Rinse with cold water and drain well again.
  • Combine orzo, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, and Asiago cheese in a large bowl.
  • Whisk garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette. Drizzle over the orzo mixture and toss lightly to combine. Add basil and parsley and mix well. Let sit for 20 minutes for flavors to blend, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418.2 calories, Carbohydrate 34.7 g, Cholesterol 16.1 mg, Fat 27 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 819 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

CHEESY ORZO



Cheesy Orzo image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cans (14 ounces) chicken or vegetable broth or stock
2 cups orzo pasta (enriched rice may be substituted)
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano or Romano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat a 8 inch pot with a tight fitting cover over moderate heat. Add oil, onion and garlic and saute for 2 or 3 minutes. Add broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and return broth to a boil. Cover pot and reduce heat to simmer. Cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until liquid is absorbed and pasta tender. Remove lid and stir in cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. You favorite fresh herbs may also be stirred into the orzo or rice to strengthen the flavor even more.

ORZO WITH BLUE CHEESE AND WALNUTS



Orzo With Blue Cheese and Walnuts image

Simple orzo recipe, prepared like risotto. Original recipe by Pam Anderson, published in the Washington Post, June 7, 2000.

Provided by Bolistoli

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 teaspoon salt
8 ounces orzo pasta (about 1 1/3 cups)
2 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons walnuts, toasted*

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring 1 quart of water to a boil.
  • Add the salt and orzo and cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed almost all of the cooking liquid, 8 to 9 minutes.
  • Stir in the butter, Parmesan and blue cheeses and walnuts.
  • Serve immediately.
  • * Note: To toast nuts, spread them on a baking sheet and place them in a 350-degree oven, shaking the pan occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully because nuts will burn quickly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 348, Fat 13.5, SaturatedFat 6.9, Cholesterol 28.2, Sodium 867.9, Carbohydrate 43.6, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 1.7, Protein 12.7

ITALIAN ORZO SALAD



Italian Orzo Salad image

This light pasta salad is an ideal summer side dish for any potluck or picnic. It's also great for a weeknight dinner. -Cindy Springsteen, Denver, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 cups chicken broth
1 package (16 ounces) orzo pasta
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups chopped plum tomatoes
1 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber
1 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
1-3/4 cups (7 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil; add pasta. Return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until pasta is tender, 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper., In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, basil, onions and spinach. Drain pasta; add to tomato mixture. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Chill until serving., Just before serving, stir in cheese and pine nuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 288 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 630mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

BLUE CHEESE ORZO SALAD



Blue Cheese Orzo Salad image

I found this in the updated version of the "Taste of Home" cookbook. It was submitted by Helen Conwell from Fairhope, AL, who says: "The crunch of the walnuts and bacon is a pleasant contrast to the creamy rice-shaped past. The blue cheese and arugula lend a satisfying, savory quality."

Provided by PSU Lioness

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 30m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta
3 cups fresh arugula, torn
5 bacon, strips cooked and crumbled
3/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup green onion, sliced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 teaspoon creole mustard or 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions; drain and place in a large bowl.
  • Add the arugula, bacon, blue cheese, onions and walnuts.
  • In a blender, combine the first six vinaigrette ingredients; cover and process until blended.
  • While procession, gradually add oil in a steady stream.
  • Drizzle over salad; toss to coat.
  • Serve the salad immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 382.6, Fat 28.4, SaturatedFat 7.3, Cholesterol 20.6, Sodium 599.7, Carbohydrate 22.5, Fiber 2, Sugar 1.9, Protein 10.8

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad will be. This is especially true for the blue cheese, which should be flavorful and creamy.
  • Don't overcook the orzo: Orzo is a small pasta that can easily overcook. Be sure to cook it according to the package directions, or until it is al dente.
  • Let the salad cool before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.
  • Garnish the salad with fresh herbs: This will add a pop of color and flavor to the salad.

Conclusion:

Blue cheese orzo salad is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish or main course. It is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or summer barbecues. With its creamy blue cheese dressing, nutty orzo, and fresh vegetables, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

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