Best 5 Cold Wild Rice Orzo Salad Recipes

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Looking for a refreshing and flavorful side dish that's perfect for summer gatherings? Look no further than this Cold Wild Rice Orzo Salad. Packed with wholesome ingredients like wild rice, orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.

The wild rice and orzo pasta provide a hearty base for the salad, while the colorful vegetables add a delightful crunch and sweetness. The dressing, made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and herbs, ties all the ingredients together and elevates the flavors to new heights.

This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and even protein sources. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat-lover, this salad has something for everyone.

In this article, you'll find the classic Cold Wild Rice Orzo Salad recipe, along with three exciting variations to suit different tastes and preferences. Indulge in the Mediterranean-inspired Greek Orzo Salad, bursting with flavors of feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh oregano. Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Mexico with the Mexican Street Corn Salad, featuring grilled corn, black beans, and a creamy cilantro dressing. And for a touch of Asian flair, try the Asian Slaw Salad, with its vibrant mix of shredded vegetables, rice noodles, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing.

Each variation offers a unique culinary experience, ensuring that you'll find a salad that perfectly matches your cravings. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary adventure with this Cold Wild Rice Orzo Salad and its delightful variations.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

BELLEPEPPER'S ORZO AND WILD RICE SALAD



Bellepepper's Orzo and Wild Rice Salad image

I enjoyed this salad at a well-known restaurant and when they wouldn't divulge the recipe, I created my own. Although a bit time consuming, everything can be prepared at least a day ahead, covered and refrigerated. I took this salad to the 2011 AR Buckeye Bash and am posting for those who requested the recipe. This salad may be served cold or at room temperature.

Provided by bellepepper

Categories     Salad     Pasta Salad

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 cups cooked orzo
½ cup cooked wild rice
½ cup diced orange bell pepper
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup frozen corn, thawed
½ cup dried currants
¼ cup diced red onion
¼ cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon minced fresh onion
1 pinch ground white pepper
1 pinch paprika
1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
salt to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup chopped toasted pecans
¼ cup toasted slivered almonds
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Combine orzo, wild rice, orange bell pepper, red bell pepper, corn, currants, and red onion together in a large bowl.
  • Blend vegetable oil, sugar, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, minced onion, white pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and 1 pinch salt together in a blender or food processor until smooth.
  • Mix pecans, almonds, and parsley into orzo mixture. Drizzle enough dressing to coat salad; toss to evenly coat. Season with salt and black pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297.5 calories, Carbohydrate 37 g, Fat 15.3 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 6 mg, Sugar 16.7 g

WILD RICE AND ORZO WITH TARRAGON



Wild Rice and Orzo With Tarragon image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     pastas, side dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

3/4 cup wild rice
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
3/4 cup orzo
2 tablespoons butter
4 shallots, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced tarragon leaves
2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the wild rice and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and simmer, covered, until the rice is tender and the grains begin to pop open, about 45 minutes to an hour. Drain well and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in another saucepan. Add the orzo and boil until the orzo just begins to become tender, 6 to 7 minutes. Drain and cool under cold water. Set aside.
  • When ready to serve, melt the butter in a large saute pan set over medium heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the wild rice and orzo and cook, stirring, until heated through. Add the tarragon and parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste and cook for an additional minute. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 185, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 32 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 185 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

COLD WILD RICE & ORZO SALAD



Cold Wild Rice & Orzo Salad image

Had a similar salad at a restaurant, and reconstructed from memory. You may need or want more salad dressing and don't be afraid to add extra almonds for more crunch! You can play around with the ingredient quantities as well.

Provided by Chuck Steak

Categories     Rice

Time 40m

Yield 6 cups

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 cup dry instant wild rice
1/2 cup dry instant rice
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1 red pepper, chopped
1/2 yellow pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/2-1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 cup slivered almonds (or more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4-1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh preferred
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • I cook both the instant wild and white rice together in a rice cooker along with the chicken bouillion cube til done.
  • Let cool or chill in the fridge.
  • Cook orzo according to package directions and drain with cold water.
  • Once rice and orzo are both somewhat cool, mix together and add the chopped peppers, onion, chopped cilantro, almonds,& salt.
  • In a separate small container, mix the oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice and spices.
  • I've been making this salad dressing so long, I'm estimating the amounts, so adjust to taste.
  • Pour over rice salad, mix thoroughly, add more salt if needed and splash with Balsamic vinegar to taste.
  • Salad is best if chilled for at least an hour or two before serving to blend flavors.

ALEXANDER'S ORZO AND WILD RICE SALAD



Alexander's Orzo and Wild Rice Salad image

Make and share this Alexander's Orzo and Wild Rice Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Mystikal49

Categories     Rice

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 24

4 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon French Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon sugar
3/8 cup canola oil
3/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups orzo pasta, cooked
1 cup cooked wild rice
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup currants
1/8 cup canned corn niblet
1/4 cup toasted almond
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons red peppers, diced
3 tablespoons yellow peppers, diced
1/2 cup green onion, sliced
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic granules
1/8 cup fresh basil, cut in slivers

Steps:

  • For dressing: Dissolve vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and sugar with a hand whip (three minute stirring).
  • Fold in the mustard, basil, salt and pepper. Slowly add oils, while whisking vigorously. Refrigerate.
  • Use only 1/2 cup of dressing for salad.
  • Place all other ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
  • Serve ice cold, 38-40°F Shelf life mixed is two hours.

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

Tips:

  • Cook the orzo and wild rice separately. This will ensure that both grains are cooked evenly and retain their distinct textures.
  • Use a flavorful broth to cook the orzo and wild rice. This will add extra flavor to the salad.
  • Chop the vegetables into small, even pieces. This will help them to cook evenly and make the salad easier to eat.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your salad. This will add color, texture, and flavor to the dish.
  • Don't overdress the salad. A little bit of dressing goes a long way.
  • Serve the salad chilled. This will make it refreshing and perfect for a summer meal.

Conclusion:

This cold wild rice orzo salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of hearty grains, fresh vegetables, and flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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