Best 4 Cold Wild Rice Orzo Salad Recipes

Cold wild rice orzo salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. This salad is a great way to use up leftover rice and orzo, and it is also a healthy and filling meal. The combination of wild rice, orzo, vegetables, and dressing creates a light and flavorful salad that is perfect for any occasion.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

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

Ingredients

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

BELLEPEPPER'S ORZO AND WILD RICE SALAD

Bellepepper's Orzo and Wild Rice Salad image

I enjoyed this salad at a well-known restaurant and when they wouldn't divulge the recipe, I created my own. Although a bit time consuming, everything can be prepared at least a day ahead, covered and refrigerated. I took this salad to the 2011 AR Buckeye Bash and am posting for those who requested the recipe. This salad may be served cold or at room temperature.

Provided by bellepepper

Categories Salad Pasta Salad

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

2 cups cooked orzo
½ cup cooked wild rice
½ cup diced orange bell pepper
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup frozen corn, thawed
½ cup dried currants
¼ cup diced red onion
¼ cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon minced fresh onion
1 pinch ground white pepper
1 pinch paprika
1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
salt to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup chopped toasted pecans
¼ cup toasted slivered almonds
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

Combine orzo, wild rice, orange bell pepper, red bell pepper, corn, currants, and red onion together in a large bowl.
Blend vegetable oil, sugar, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, minced onion, white pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and 1 pinch salt together in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Mix pecans, almonds, and parsley into orzo mixture. Drizzle enough dressing to coat salad; toss to evenly coat. Season with salt and black pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297.5 calories, Carbohydrate 37 g, Fat 15.3 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 6 mg, Sugar 16.7 g

COLD WILD RICE & ORZO SALAD

Cold Wild Rice & Orzo Salad image

Had a similar salad at a restaurant, and reconstructed from memory. You may need or want more salad dressing and don't be afraid to add extra almonds for more crunch! You can play around with the ingredient quantities as well.

Provided by Chuck Steak

Categories Rice

Time 40m

Yield 6 cups

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 cup dry instant wild rice
1/2 cup dry instant rice
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1 red pepper, chopped
1/2 yellow pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/2-1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 cup slivered almonds (or more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4-1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh preferred
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
balsamic vinegar

Steps:

I cook both the instant wild and white rice together in a rice cooker along with the chicken bouillion cube til done.
Let cool or chill in the fridge.
Cook orzo according to package directions and drain with cold water.
Once rice and orzo are both somewhat cool, mix together and add the chopped peppers, onion, chopped cilantro, almonds,& salt.
In a separate small container, mix the oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice and spices.
I've been making this salad dressing so long, I'm estimating the amounts, so adjust to taste.
Pour over rice salad, mix thoroughly, add more salt if needed and splash with Balsamic vinegar to taste.
Salad is best if chilled for at least an hour or two before serving to blend flavors.

ALEXANDER'S ORZO AND WILD RICE SALAD

Alexander's Orzo and Wild Rice Salad image

Make and share this Alexander's Orzo and Wild Rice Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Mystikal49

Categories Rice

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 24

Ingredients

4 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon French Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon sugar
3/8 cup canola oil
3/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups orzo pasta, cooked
1 cup cooked wild rice
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup currants
1/8 cup canned corn niblet
1/4 cup toasted almond
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons red peppers, diced
3 tablespoons yellow peppers, diced
1/2 cup green onion, sliced
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic granules
1/8 cup fresh basil, cut in slivers

Steps:

For dressing: Dissolve vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and sugar with a hand whip (three minute stirring).
Fold in the mustard, basil, salt and pepper. Slowly add oils, while whisking vigorously. Refrigerate.
Use only 1/2 cup of dressing for salad.
Place all other ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
Serve ice cold, 38-40°F Shelf life mixed is two hours.

Tips:

Make sure to rinse the wild rice well before cooking. This will remove any impurities and help it cook evenly.
If you don't have any orzo, you can substitute another small pasta shape, such as ditalini or penne.
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
For a more flavorful salad, try using a flavorful vinegar, such as balsamic or red wine vinegar.
You can also add other vegetables to this salad, such as chopped celery, carrots, or bell peppers.

Conclusion:

This cold wild rice orzo salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It's also a great way to use up leftover wild rice. With its colorful vegetables and flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or picnic.