Curried Orzo Salad Recipes

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the orzo pasta according package instructions (mine took about 8 minutes). Drain and cool briefly.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the grape tomatoes, green onions, bell peppers, parsley, dill, olives and capers (hold the feta for now). Add the orzo pasta.
• Make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined and the orzo pasta is well coated with the dressing.
• Top with pieces of creamy feta cheese. Cover and refrigerate for a bit before serving.

CURRIED ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package directions.
• Combine all dressing ingredients (mayonnaise through the cayenne pepper), and mix well.
• Pour dressing over warm orzo, then add chicken (optional), raisins, almonds, onions, apples, and grapes.
• Mix thoroughly, then refrigerate overnight; serve!
• Garnish with fresh basil right before serving!

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

RAINBOW ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the peppers and onion in a roasting tin and drizzle with half the oil. Roast for 20 mins, adding the tomatoes for the final 5 mins. Leave to cool.
• Cook the orzo following pack instructions, then run under cold water to cool before draining thoroughly. Toss with the vegetables, the remaining oil, the feta and basil. Will keep in the fridge for a few days.

CURRIED LENTIL, WILD RICE AND ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the wild rice in a large, covered pot of boiling, salted water, for 10 minutes.
• Add the lentils and boil for 20 minutes.
• Add the orzo and boil for about 5 minutes, or until just tender.
• Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
• Add the currants and onions and set aside.
• Dressing: Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
• Pour over the rice mixture and toss gently.
• Let the salad cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or better, over night.
• Sprinkle on the almonds just before serving.