Are you looking for a refreshing and flavorful summer salad that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or light meals? Look no further than the Italian orzo salad! This vibrant and colorful dish combines the tangy brightness of lemon, the savory richness of sun-dried tomatoes, the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts, and the hearty chewiness of orzo pasta. Tossed in a simple yet delectable dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs, this salad is a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. With variations including roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, and creamy feta cheese, there's an Italian orzo salad recipe for every palate.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
ITALIAN ORZO SALAD
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
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.
ORZO SALAD
Steps:
- To make the dressing, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon zest and juice, garlic, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Set the dressing aside.
- To make the salad, combine the bell pepper, cucumber, onion, chickpeas, olives, walnuts, mint and parsley in a large mixing bowl.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in 3 tablespoons of salt and a small splash of olive oil. Add the orzo and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain the orzo in a colander, then add it to the vegetable mixture while the orzo is still hot. Immediately pour the dressing onto the orzo and vegetables, and stir to combine. The hot orzo will readily absorb the dressing. Add a splash more olive oil if the salad seems too dry. Allow the salad to cool to room temperature, and add the feta, if desired. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
- Give the salad a stir, then taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, if need be.
MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD
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
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
Tips:
- Choose the right orzo: Smaller orzo cooks faster and is better for salads, while larger orzo is better for soups and stews.
- Cook the orzo al dente: Orzo should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it.
- Use a variety of vegetables: This will add color, flavor, and texture to your salad.
- Don't overdress the salad: A light vinaigrette or lemon-olive oil dressing is all you need.
- Let the salad chill before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Orzo salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be an orzo salad recipe that everyone will love.
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