Best 6 Rainbow Orzo Salad Recipes

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In a world of culinary wonders, embark on a vibrant journey with Rainbow Orzo Salad, a dish that captivates the senses with its colorful medley of flavors and textures. This delightful salad showcases the versatility of orzo pasta, cooked to al dente perfection and tossed with a symphony of fresh, crisp vegetables. From the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and bell peppers to the earthy notes of zucchini and asparagus, each ingredient brings a unique charm to the palate. A zesty lemon-herb dressing ties all the elements together, adding a refreshing burst of tang and brightness. This recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Prepare to be enchanted by the Rainbow Orzo Salad, a culinary masterpiece that promises to elevate any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Beyond the classic Rainbow Orzo Salad, this article unveils a treasure trove of additional recipes that explore the diverse possibilities of orzo pasta. Indulge in the creamy delight of Orzo with Creamy Smoked Salmon Sauce, a dish that combines the richness of smoked salmon with a velvety sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. For a hearty and satisfying meal, try the Orzo with Sausage and Kale, a hearty combination of orzo, sausage, and kale, offering a symphony of textures and flavors. If you're craving a taste of the Mediterranean, the Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta is a delightful choice, capturing the essence of the region with its vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. And for a light and refreshing option, the Orzo Salad with Lemon and Herbs is a perfect pick, offering a burst of zesty flavors that will invigorate your senses.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ORZO SALAD



Orzo Salad image

This orzo salad recipe is a fresh, delicious side dish or vegetarian lunch! If you make it ahead of time, save the herbs to add at the last minute. I also recommend tossing the salad with a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Provided by Jeanine Donofrio

Categories     Main dish or side dish     Salad

Number Of Ingredients 14

1½ cups dry orzo pasta
1 recipe Greek Salad Dressing
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon sea salt
2 Persian cucumbers (halved vertically, and sliced ¼-inch thick)
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup cooked chickpeas (drained, and rinsed)
4 ounces feta cheese (cut into ¼-inch cubes)
⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
1 cup fresh basil and/or mint leaves
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions, or until slightly past al dente. Drain the orzo and toss it with a little olive oil, so that it doesn't stick together. Spread onto a baking sheet to cool.
  • Prepare the Greek Salad Dressing and add in the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, and sea salt.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the cooked orzo, cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta, red onion, and olives. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, add half the herbs, season with freshly ground black pepper, and toss to coat. Garnish with the remaining herbs and serve.

RAINBOW RICE PILAF



Rainbow Rice Pilaf image

Provided by Kardea Brown

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup diced celery (from 1 rib)
1 orange bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
1/2 cup orzo
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large deep-sided skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the onions, celery and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are just beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and orzo and cook, stirring constantly, until the orzo begins to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the vegetable broth, bring to a simmer and then lower heat and cook, covered, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for about 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer to a serving dish. Top with the cranberries, almonds and parsley. Serve warm.

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

RAINBOW ORZO SALAD



Rainbow Orzo Salad image

This orzo salad is one of my go-to dishes to bring to a picnic. It's even better on the second day, and it's a wonderful combination of the best fresh veggies and herbs summer has to offer.

Provided by Jeanine Donofrio

Categories     Salad, side dish, main dish

Time 27m

Yield 4 as a side

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 red pepper, diced
1 ripe mango, cubed
1 small cucumber, chopped (1½ cups)
½ small red onion, diced (1/3 cup)
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ chopped fresh herbs (mint, basil, and/or cilantro)
½ cup uncooked orzo
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1 packed cup arugula
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon sherry or white wine vinegar
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
2 tablespoons water
½ teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the red pepper, mango, cucumber, red onion, garlic, chickpeas, herbs, salt, and several grinds of fresh black pepper.
  • Cook the orzo according to the package directions or until al dente. Drain, gently rinse, toss with a little olive oil oil and set aside to cool to room temp before adding to the salad.
  • Make the dressing. In a small bowl, stir together the tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, cumin, sweet paprika, salt and pepper. Add a few tablespoons of water until it's a drizzle-able consistency.
  • Add the orzo, dressing, and arugula to the salad and toss to coat. Season to taste and top with toasted pine nuts.

ORZO AND WILD RICE SALAD



Orzo and Wild Rice Salad image

This wonderful salad of pasta, currants, and vegetables is dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Provided by CWillemin

Categories     Salad     Pasta Salad

Time 3h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 20

½ cup wild rice
2 cups water
1 cup orzo pasta
3 tablespoons chopped red onion
3 tablespoons dried currants
2 tablespoons corn kernels, drained
3 tablespoons diced yellow bell pepper
3 tablespoons diced red bell pepper
3 tablespoons diced green bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons honey
¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon minced garlic
⅛ teaspoon pepper
1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh basil
¼ cup canola oil
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Bring the wild rice and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender but not mushy, 20 to 45 minutes depending on the variety of wild rice. Drain off any excess liquid, fluff the rice with a fork, and cook uncovered 5 minutes more. Once finished, spread into a shallow dish, and refrigerate until cold.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta, and cook until al dente, 7 to 8 minute. Drain, rinse with cold water, and chill.
  • Place the chilled rice and orzo into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the red onion, currants, corn, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Season with 2 tablespoons basil, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and 1 1/2 teaspoons basil. Slowly whisk in the canola and olive oils until emulsified. Stir the dressing into the pasta, and refrigerate 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 566 calories, Carbohydrate 68.2 g, Fat 29.1 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 10.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 340.7 mg, Sugar 15.8 g

RAINBOW ORZO SALAD



Rainbow orzo salad image

This small, rice-like pasta is ideal for bulking out nutritious salads. This version is made with roasted vegetables, cheese and basil

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 peppers , different colours if you like, deseeded and sliced
1 red onion , cut into thin wedges
1 tbsp olive oil
6 cherry tomatoes , halved
25g orzo pasta
25g feta cheese , crumbled
2 tbsp roughly chopped basil

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the peppers and onion in a roasting tin and drizzle with half the oil. Roast for 20 mins, adding the tomatoes for the final 5 mins. Leave to cool.
  • Cook the orzo following pack instructions, then run under cold water to cool before draining thoroughly. Toss with the vegetables, the remaining oil, the feta and basil. Will keep in the fridge for a few days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 422 calories, Fat 18 grams fat, SaturatedFat 6 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 52 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 30 grams sugar, Fiber 9 grams fiber, Protein 13 grams protein, Sodium 1 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Use a variety of colorful vegetables to make your salad visually appealing. Some good options include red bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, and purple cabbage.
  • Cook the orzo according to the package directions. Be sure to drain and rinse it well before adding it to the salad.
  • For a creamy dressing, use a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Greek yogurt. You can also add some Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh herbs to taste.
  • If you're making the salad ahead of time, be sure to store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.
  • Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It's a great side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or steak.

Conclusion:

Rainbow orzo salad is a delicious and healthy dish that's perfect for summer gatherings. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. So next time you're looking for a refreshing and colorful salad, give this recipe a try.

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