Cold Wild Rice Orzo Salad 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