Cilantro Lime Confetti Orzo Recipes

SOUTHWESTERN ORZO PASTA SALAD WITH CILANTRO LIME DRESSING

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil.
• Add the orzo and cook according to the package directions, being sure to not overcook.
• Drain in a sieve or colander and immediately rinse with cold running tap water.
• Drain again and toss with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
• Add the tomatoes, corn, red onion and black beans and stir to combine.
• Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth.
• Pour dressing over salad and stir well. Serve immediately garnished with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges.

TANGY CILANTRO LIME CONFETTI SALAD

Steps:

• Place the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Place dressing ingredients in a blender; cover and process until creamy and light in color. Pour over vegetable mixture; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, up to 3 hours.

MEXICAN ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the orzo, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain.
• Place the drained orzo in a large salad bowl, and fold in the red pepper, yellow pepper, green onions, red onion, chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans, corn, cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour the lime juice and oil over the salad, toss to coat, and refrigerate at least 2 hours to chill before serving.

CONFETTI COUSCOUS SALAD

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5-10 minutes or until broth is absorbed., Fluff with a fork. Stir in the beans, corn, red pepper, onions and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, lime juice, vinegar, cumin, salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with pine nuts if desired.

ONE-PAN ORZO WITH SPINACH AND FETA

Steps:

• Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium, then melt butter, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in about three-quarters of the scallions (saving some of the green parts for garnish) and garlic, and cook until softened, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in spinach, adding in batches if it doesn't all fit in the pan at once, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in stock and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo, lemon zest and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until orzo is nearly cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed, 10 to 14 minutes, stirring once or twice.
• Stir in cheese, peas (if you like) and dill, cover the pan, and cook for another 1 minute, to finish cooking and warm the peas. To serve, sprinkle with more cheese and the reserved scallions.

CILANTRO-LIME DRESSING

Steps:

• Place the jalapeno pepper, garlic clove, and ginger into a food processor or blender; pulse until the jalapeno and garlic are finely chopped. Pour in the lime juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, and salt, add the cilantro leaves; pulse a few times to blend. Turn the food processor or blender on, and slowly drizzle in the olive oil until incorporated into the dressing. Season to taste with salt before serving.