Best 3 Fragrant Sesame Dressing For Orzo Salad Recipes

Orzo salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is made with orzo pasta, which is a small, rice-shaped pasta, and typically includes vegetables, herbs, and a dressing. This particular recipe features a fragrant sesame dressing that adds a delicious Asian-inspired flavor to the salad. The dressing is made with sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and ginger, and it is tossed with the orzo and vegetables. The salad is then topped with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor. In addition to the main recipe, this article also includes two variations: a vegan version and a gluten-free version. The vegan version uses tofu instead of chicken, and the gluten-free version uses quinoa instead of orzo. Both variations are just as delicious and flavorful as the original, and they are perfect for people with dietary restrictions.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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

Ingredients

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

ORZO SALAD WITH SESAME DRESSING

Orzo Salad With Sesame Dressing image

Make and share this Orzo Salad With Sesame Dressing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories Vegetable

Time 1h8m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 lb orzo pasta, uncooked
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 carrots, cut into thin strips
2 cups raisins
1 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
3/4 cup corn oil
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup sesame oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons grated orange rind
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon dry crushed red pepper

Steps:

To make dressing: add all dressing ingredients to the container of an electric blender; process until smooth; set aside.
Cook the orzo in boiling salted water to cover for about 8 minutes or until tender; drain, rinse, and drain again.
In a mixing bowl, toss the orzo and 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
Spoon half the orzo mixture into a large glass serving bowl; spread evenly.
Top with half the carrot strips, raisins, and sunflower kernels.
Repeat layers.
Drizzle 1 cup Sesame Dressing over the top.
Sprinkle the parsley and green onion evenly over the top.
Serve with the remaining Sesame Dressing.

LIGHT AND REFRESHING SESAME ORZO SALAD

Light and Refreshing Sesame Orzo Salad image

This is something that I came up with to take to a cookout today. Grilled salmon and steak were served, and this went very well with it and was well-liked. This has a very delicate and subtle flavor (it was described by one person as "light and refreshing," which is where the name comes from). I wanted something with an Asian feel but I didn't want to make an Oriental coleslaw - I love those, but I just wasn't in the mood for anything that sweet or vinegar-y. The bulk of the flavor comes from the sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds, so I don't think those two ingredients should be substituted. This salad can be served at any temperature, but I do strongly recommend refrigerating overnight since it takes time for the flavor to fully develop. I liked the light taste and "dryness" of the dressing, but feel free to make up more dressing if your tastes are different than mine. This would also be good with rice in place of the orzo. This filled up a 2.5 quart serving bowl. Cook time is refrigerator time.

Provided by Vino Girl

Categories Peppers

Time 9h

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1/2 cup green onion, sliced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed and drained
1/2 cup carrot, finely grated
1/2 cup fresh mung bean sprouts
1 (5 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained
1/2 orange
2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons light sesame oil
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon ginger, minced
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

Steps:

Cook orzo pasta in boiling water for about 4 minutes.
Rinse with cold water and drain.
Place in a large bowl.
In a liquid measuring cup with a spout, mix the dressing ingredients together.
Slice the water chestnuts if they weren't presliced, and then cut the slices into quarters to make small pieces.
Add these to the bowl with the pasta.
Add the broccoli, onions, bell pepper, peas, carrots, and sprouts to the bowl, and mix gently but thoroughly.
Add the dressing and mix again.
Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
Before serving, stir the salad up to remix it, and sprinkle sunflower kernals on top.
Thinly slice the orange and then cut the slices in half.
Stand these up around the edge of the bowl as a garnish.
Serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165.6, Fat 5, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 36.6, Carbohydrate 26.1, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 3.9, Protein 5.1

Tips:

For a richer dressing, use toasted sesame oil.
If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the dressing for a little sweetness.
If you're using fresh herbs, be sure to chop them finely before adding them to the dressing.
To make the dressing ahead of time, whisk all of the ingredients together in a jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

This fragrant sesame dressing is the perfect way to add flavor and richness to your favorite orzo salad. It's also great on roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or fish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and versatile dressing that will elevate any dish. So next time you're looking for a new salad dressing, give this fragrant sesame dressing a try. You won't be disappointed!

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