Best 5 Zesty Orzo Salad Recipes
Indulge in a vibrant and flavorful journey with our tantalizing Zesty Orzo Salad, a delectable dish that combines the zest of zesty lemon dressing with the vibrancy of fresh herbs and crisp vegetables. This delightful salad features perfectly cooked orzo pasta tossed in a zesty sauce made with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a hint of Dijon mustard, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The salad is further enriched with a medley of colorful vegetables, including crisp bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, and red onions, adding a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness. To elevate the flavors even further, we've incorporated crumbled feta cheese, adding a tangy and salty dimension, and fresh herbs like parsley and basil, infusing each bite with an aromatic touch.
In addition to the main recipe, we've included three irresistible variations to cater to diverse preferences. For those who prefer a creamy twist, our Creamy Feta Dressing variation adds a luscious and velvety texture to the salad, perfectly complementing the zesty dressing. If you're craving a smoky and robust flavor, our Roasted Red Pepper variation incorporates roasted red peppers, adding a delightful smokiness and a vibrant pop of color. And for those seeking a vegan delight, our Vegan Zesty Orzo Salad variation offers a plant-based alternative, showcasing the vibrant flavors of the zesty dressing and fresh vegetables, without compromising on taste. Each variation is meticulously crafted to ensure a unique and satisfying culinary experience, taking you on a journey of flavors that will leave you craving more.
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
EASY ORZO PASTA SALAD
Steps:
- Cook orzo until tender. Cool.
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk.
- Combine orzo with remaining salad ingredients.
- Toss with dressing and season with salt and pepper.
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving
Nutrition Facts : Calories 309 kcal, Carbohydrate 39 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 8 mg, Sodium 124 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 5 g, UnsaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 serving
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.
ORZO SALAD
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 40m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
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
ZESTY ORZO SALAD
This recipe is bursting with flavor! You could even add prosciutto, salami or pepperoni if you wanted some meat! Enjoy!
Provided by KPD123
Categories Vegetable
Time 15m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Combine first 10 ingredients in a large bowl.
- Combine last 7 ingredients in another bowl. Pour mixture over orzo mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Can be eaten straight away or refridgerate salad until ready to eat!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 393.4, Fat 24.5, SaturatedFat 5.8, Cholesterol 17.9, Sodium 512.7, Carbohydrate 35.6, Fiber 3.3, Sugar 3.6, Protein 9.4
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and a good quality olive oil will make all the difference in the taste of your orzo salad.
- Cook the orzo al dente: This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant.
- Let the orzo cool completely before assembling the salad: This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Use a light touch when dressing the salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. Too much dressing will overwhelm the other flavors in the salad.
- Garnish the salad with fresh herbs: This will add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
Conclusion:
Zesty orzo salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal taste. With its bright flavors and colorful ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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