Behold, the vibrant and delectable Confetti Orzo Salad, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds with its medley of flavors and textures. This delightful salad is a symphony of colors, featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with an array of crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and a burst of fresh herbs. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors, from the sweetness of cherry tomatoes to the crunch of cucumbers and the savory notes of briny olives. The zesty lemon-herb dressing adds a refreshing touch, while crumbled feta cheese provides a salty, creamy contrast. With its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, this salad is sure to be the star of any gathering, whether a casual potluck or a festive summer barbecue.
But the culinary journey doesn't stop there. This article offers a collection of delectable recipes that showcase the versatility of orzo pasta. From a hearty and comforting orzo soup brimming with vegetables and flavorful broth to a creamy baked orzo with mushrooms and spinach, each recipe promises a unique taste experience. If you're craving a lighter option, try the refreshing orzo salad with lemon vinaigrette, bursting with the brightness of citrus and fresh herbs. For a satisfying one-pot meal, the orzo with sausage and kale is a savory delight that combines succulent sausage, tender kale, and hearty orzo in a flavorful broth. And for those who appreciate a touch of spice, the spicy orzo with chorizo and poblanos brings a vibrant heat to the table.
With its diverse selection of recipes, this article ensures that every orzo enthusiast finds something to satisfy their taste buds. Whether you're seeking a vibrant salad, a comforting soup, or a hearty main course, these recipes offer a culinary adventure that will tantalize your palate and leave you craving more.
ORZO PASTA SALAD WITH GRILLED CONFETTI VEGETABLES AND FETA
Orzo pasta salad with zucchini, yellow pepper, corn, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, feta and a delicious dressing flavored with lemon and oregano. Perfect summer dish. From Today's Parent Magazine.
Provided by FrVanilla
Categories Vegetable
Time 35m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a large pot, bring about 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package directions, about 6-8 minutes, until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and rinse under cold water. Let orzo sit in colander to drain well. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with about 2 tsp (5 ml) olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, lemon peel, salt and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Preheat a barbeque or grill to medium-high heat. Brush zucchini strips and yellow pepper with a little olive oil. Place these, along with corn, on barbeque and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side until grill marks appear and vegetables are tender. Remove and set aside on a baking tray to cool. Once cool, cut the kernels off of the corn husks (there should be about 2 cups) and chop the zucchini and yellow peppers into ½-inch (1 cm) pieces.
- To the orzo pasta, add the zucchini, yellow pepper, corn, cherry tomatoes, feta and pine nuts. Drizzle over lemon vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Garnish with torn basil leaves.
- In a hurry? Chop zucchini and yellow pepper into ½-inch dice. Place in large bowl along with cherry tomatoes and 1 cup corn (canned). Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil and season the vegetables with salt and pepper. Spread evenly onto a baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned, about 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside and let cool to room temperature and then toss with orzo salad as above.
CONFETTI ORZO SALAD
This is a dish that is always a hit anywhere I take it. I always serve it cold. I believe it's from the 365 pasta recipes cookbook but it has changed over time to the recipe I have here. If you don't have orzo on hand you can use any small shaped pasta instead. Enjoy! :)
Provided by Pam Snyder
Categories Pasta Sides
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Cook orzo in plenty of boiling water until tender, 10-12 minutes. Drain.
- 2. Whisk oil, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and garlic until blended.
- 3. Toss all of the ingredients together. Serve hot or cold.
CONFETTI ORZO SALAD
Steps:
- cook orzo until al-dente. drain and pour into large bowl and drizzle with about 1/4cup olive oil to prevent sticking. set aside to cool. coarsely chop arugula and spinach and parsley, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes; combine in a medium-sized bowl. add chopped shallots and about 1/4 cup of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. add these ingredients to the warm pasta, stir to combine. taste for seasonings, and add freshly ground black pepper to taste. once pasta is cool enough, addd the mini mozzarella balls (pasta should still be warm, but not too warm to melt the cheese) and stir to combine. serve as a main course or a nice side dish.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe tomatoes and basil.
- If you don't have any fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
- To make the salad ahead of time, simply cook the orzo and vegetables according to the recipe, then let them cool completely. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, just add the dressing and toss to combine.
- This salad is also great for a picnic or potluck. Just pack it in a cooler with some ice packs and you're good to go.
Conclusion:
This easy summer salad combines confetti-colored orzo with fresh, ripe vegetables. The tangy vinaigrette dressing is the perfect finishing touch. This salad is served cold and is a great side dish for any summer meal. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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