For a delightful and refreshing twist on a classic side dish, look no further than minted orzo. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a backyard barbecue, a summer potluck, or a cozy dinner at home. With its vibrant green color and zesty mint flavor, minted orzo is sure to impress your taste buds and brighten up your meal.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
MINTED ORZO SALAD WITH GRAPEFRUIT
Provided by Molly O'Neill
Categories pastas, salads and dressings
Time 2h40m
Yield Four servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Combine the grapefruit juice and grated lemon and orange rinds in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Whisk in the olive oil. Add the salt and pepper. Pour half of the liquid into a separate bowl and refrigerate.
- Add the oregano, jalapeno and shrimp to the remaining vinaigrette. Toss to combine and refrigerate for 2 hours. Grill the shrimp over hot coals until cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Set aside to cool. Peel, devein and cut into bite-size pieces.
- Pour the broth into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat. Combine the olive oil and leek in a nonstick skillet. Cook over medium-low heat until the leek softens, about 5 minutes. Add the orzo and stir to combine. Ladle in 1/2 cup of the broth and stir. Increase the heat to medium and continue adding the broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly, until the orzo is tender, about 15 minutes. Drain. Rinse under cold running water. Set aside.
- Put the reserved vinaigrette in a salad bowl, add the salad greens and toss. Add shrimp, orzo, coriander and parsley leaves and toss to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 314, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 25 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 997 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams, TransFat 0 grams
MINTED SQUASH-ORZO SALAD
Provided by Claire Robinson
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the orzo and cook as the label directs. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Drain, shake off the excess water and transfer to a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons garlic olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.
- Add the squash to the bowl with the orzo. Stir in three-quarters of the feta, the mint, the remaining 2 tablespoons garlic olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Top with the remaining feta and more mint.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 249 calorie, Fat 8.5 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Cholesterol 19 milligrams, Sodium 361 milligrams, Carbohydrate 34 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 9 grams, Sugar 4 grams
MINTED SQUASH ORZO
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the orzo and cook for 8 minutes; pasta will be slightly undercooked. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the orzo in a colander in the sink. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown and soften, about 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and add the cooked orzo and cooking water. Bring to a simmer and stir in 3/4 of the feta; season with salt and pepper. Cook until the water is absorbed, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and mint. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle the remaining feta over the top and garnish with additional chopped mint.
MINTED ORZO
In just 15 minutes, I can make a warm, fresh-tasting side. Its mild flavor balances lots of entrees, especially the spicy ones. -Donna Curtis, Oakhurst, New Jersey
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 15m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute garlic in oil and butter for 2 minutes., Drain orzo and add to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Sprinkle with mint.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips and Conclusion
To achieve the best results when cooking minted orzo, consider these useful tips:
- Cook the orzo to perfection: Cook the orzo in boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Drain the orzo and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh mint adds a vibrant flavor to the dish. Chop the mint leaves finely and add them to the orzo salad just before serving.
- Enhance the flavor with citrus: Lemon or lime zest adds a bright and tangy flavor to the salad. Use a microplane or a fine grater to zest the citrus fruit.
- Choose flavorful cheese: Feta cheese or Parmesan cheese add a salty and savory flavor to the salad. Crumble the cheese and sprinkle it over the orzo salad before serving.
- Add vegetables for a nutritious twist: Incorporate chopped vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or red onion to add color, texture, and nutritional value to the salad.
- Use high-quality olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides a rich and healthy fat to the salad. Drizzle some olive oil over the orzo salad and toss to coat.
- Season to taste: Add salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice or vinegar to taste. Adjust the seasoning until the flavors are balanced and harmonious.
In conclusion, minted orzo is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. With its combination of fresh herbs, citrus, and flavorful ingredients, it's a perfect choice for a light and refreshing meal. Experiment with different variations of the recipe to create a dish that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this delicious orzo salad!
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