REFRESHING SUMMER ORZO SALAD

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Refreshing Summer Orzo Salad image

This is a wonderfully light salad for those hot summer nights. If you like, it goes well with the addition of either tuna or grilled chicken, and you can vary the amount of feta depending on your taste.

Provided by prell2k4

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 cups chicken broth
1 (16 ounce) package orzo pasta
1 ½ tablespoons butter
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup pine nuts
1 cup pitted kalamata olives
1 (2 ounce) jar capers, with liquid
12 ounces basil-flavored feta cheese
1 (10 ounce) bag fresh spinach leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo pasta, and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well, then pour the orzo into a bowl, and toss with the butter to keep it from sticking; set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, and cook until the garlic softens and the aroma mellows, about 2 minutes. Stir in the basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, and pine nuts. Cook and stir until the pine nuts have toasted to a light golden brown.
  • Stir the pine nut mixture into the orzo along with the olives, capers, feta cheese, spinach, and lemon juice. Serve either warm or cold, but it's better the next day.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 553.5 calories, Carbohydrate 49.6 g, Cholesterol 43.6 mg, Fat 32.3 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 19.3 g, SaturatedFat 10.8 g, Sodium 1004.1 mg, Sugar 4.8 g

Cyniah Oneal
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I love the simplicity of this salad. It's made with a few simple ingredients, but the flavors are amazing. I especially love the way the basil and lemon zest brighten up the salad.


Patricia Fordjour
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover grilled vegetables. I used grilled zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers and it was delicious. The dressing is also very versatile. I used a red wine vinegar dressing, but I think a balsamic vinegar dressin


Bhanu Ghimire
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I'm always looking for new and exciting salad recipes, and this one definitely fits the bill. The combination of flavors is incredible and the salad is so refreshing. I will definitely be making this again.


Winnie's MicroFarm
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I made this salad exactly as the recipe says and it turned out great. The only thing I would change is to add a little more salt and pepper to taste.


Santiago Aleman
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This is the perfect salad to take to a potluck or barbecue. It's easy to make and can be served warm or cold. I love the way the flavors meld together after it's been sitting for a while.


al shakib
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I made this salad for a party and it was a big hit. Everyone loved the unique flavor of the orzo and the fresh vegetables. I will definitely be making this salad again.


Mema Alsorogy
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This salad is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids love the orzo and the dressing, and they don't even notice the vegetables.


Hamad Berri
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I love the simplicity of this salad. It's made with a few simple ingredients, but the flavors are amazing. I especially love the way the basil and lemon zest brighten up the salad.


Joseph Mungai
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover grilled vegetables. I used grilled zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers and it was delicious. The dressing is also very versatile. I used a red wine vinegar dressing, but I think a balsamic vinegar dressin


Lori chase
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I'm always looking for new and exciting salad recipes, and this one definitely fits the bill. The combination of flavors is incredible and the salad is so refreshing. I will definitely be making this again.


Blaise Francis
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I made this salad exactly as the recipe says and it turned out great. The only thing I would change is to add a little more salt and pepper to taste.


Lehlohonolodaele Daviddaele
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This is the perfect salad to take to a picnic or barbecue. It's easy to make and can be served warm or cold. I love the way the flavors meld together after it's been sitting for a while.


Marek Zelinka
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I'm not usually a fan of orzo, but this salad changed my mind. The orzo is cooked perfectly and the dressing is amazing. I loved the addition of the feta cheese and olives.


Bonnie Renaud
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I made this salad for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor of the orzo and the fresh vegetables. I will definitely be making this salad again.


Chipembele Florence1997
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This orzo salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for summertime gatherings. The combination of lemon, basil, and feta cheese gives it a light and tangy flavor that's sure to please everyone.