Best 4 Quick Orzo Salad Recipes
In the realm of quick and easy meals, orzo salad reigns supreme. This versatile dish combines the goodness of orzo pasta with a symphony of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for busy individuals, meal prep enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a delightful and nutritious meal. Whether you prefer classic Mediterranean flavors, a tangy vinaigrette dressing, or a burst of fresh herbs, there's an orzo salad recipe out there to tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as we explore the world of quick orzo salad recipes, ensuring that your next meal is not only delicious but also a breeze to prepare.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
ITALIAN ORZO SALAD
This light pasta salad is an ideal summer side dish for any potluck or picnic. It's also great for a weeknight dinner. -Cindy Springsteen, Denver, Colorado
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil; add pasta. Return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until pasta is tender, 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper., In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, basil, onions and spinach. Drain pasta; add to tomato mixture. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Chill until serving., Just before serving, stir in cheese and pine nuts.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 288 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 630mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
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
QUICK ORZO PASTA SALAD
Quick-cooking orzo makes this delicious cold pasta salad a breeze to make. And with fresh herbs and artichoke hearts, the flavor is just as refreshing!
Provided by My Food and Family
Categories Home
Time 1h20m
Yield 12 servings, 3/4 cup each
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook orzo as directed on package, omitting salt; drain. Place in large bowl.
- Whisk dressing, herbs and lemon juice until blended. Add to orzo with remaining ingredients; mix lightly.
- Refrigerate 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 240, Fat 8 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 450 mg, Carbohydrate 35 g, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 3 g, Protein 9 g
EASY MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD
This salad is an incorporation of a variety of Mediterranean ingredients with a light lemon sauce to bind it all together. Feel free to substitute ingredients for a more customized salad. Due to many ingredients I've listed having a naturally salty flavor, I've refrained from the addition of salt.
Provided by thedailygourmet
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
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 11 minutes. Drain well.
- Toss orzo with lemon-infused olive oil. Add olives, artichoke hearts, chickpeas, roasted red peppers, pine nuts, and ricotta salata. Toss to combine. Refrigerate to chill and allow flavors to build.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 183.1 calories, Carbohydrate 25 g, Cholesterol 4.2 mg, Fat 7 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 6.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 255.6 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
Tips:
- Cook the orzo al dente. This means that it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant.
- Use a variety of vegetables. This will add flavor, texture, and color to your salad. Some good options include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, olives, and artichoke hearts.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. This is a great way to customize your salad to your own taste. Some good options include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Use a good quality olive oil. This will help to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients in your salad.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and will make the salad more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Orzo salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish. It's easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give orzo salad a try!
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