Checkerboard Orzo Salad Recipes

ORZO SALAD

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

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD

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.

GREEK ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package directions; drain. In a large serving bowl, toss orzo with 2 teaspoons oil. , In another bowl, combine the onion, parsley, vinegar, oregano, salt, sugar, pepper and remaining oil; pour over orzo and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2-24 hours. Just before serving, gently stir in tomatoes, cucumber, olives and cheese.

ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Pour the broth into a heavy saucepan. Cover the pan and bring the broth to a boil over a 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 orzo through a strainer. Transfer 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; set aside.
• 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.
• Add enough vinaigrette to orzo mixture to cover. Will most likely not need all of the vinaigrette.

ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; rinse in cold water and drain again.
• Place orzo in a large bowl. Add chicken, peppers, artichoke hearts, onion, parsley, dill, and olives.
• In a small bowl, mix remaining ingredients and whisk together until well combined.
• Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

SUMMERTIME ORZO SALAD

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.
• While pasta is cooking, place peas, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, artichokes, and tomato into a large bowl and toss.
• Drain cooked orzo, but do not rinse or cool. Toss hot pasta with the veggies in the bowl and mix in vinegar, seasoning mix, and oil.
• Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours, or overnight. Serve.

CHECKERBOARD ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cut the tomatoes into 1/3" cubes; place in a bowl and sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme leaves; set aside at room temperature for 1 hour.
• Boil orzo in salted water until tender; drain and return to the pot off the heat; stir until moisture is evaporated; add goat cheese and stir until melted.
• Add half of the tomatoes and all the juices; toss gently to combine and season with salt to taste; pour salad onto serving platter and top with remaining tomatoes.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.