Lentil And Orzo Salad Recipes

MINTY ORZO LENTIL AND FETA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes; drain. Transfer pasta into a large bowl, and mix in 1 tablespoon olive oil; cover, and refrigerate until cool.
• Place lentils into a small saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cover, and simmer over low heat until lentils are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
• Combine the remaining olive oil, vinegar, and garlic in a small bowl.
• Remove pasta from refrigerator; add lentils, oil mixture, olives, feta cheese, red onion, mint, and dill; stir until thoroughly blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

LENTIL AND ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Bring 6 cups of salted water to a boil in a large pot.
• Add the orzo and boil for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
• Drain, and toss with 1 Tablespoon of the olive oil.
• Spread the orzo onto a sheet pan, and cool in the refrigerator.
• Meanwhile, place the lentils, carrot, celery, onion, bay leaf, and salt into a large pot, and add enough water to cover.
• Bring to a simmer, and cook until lentils are just tender, about 25 minutes.
• Drain, and discard the carrots, celery, onions, and bay leaf.
• Mix the lentils and the cooled orzo in a large salad bowl.
• Add the cucumber, tomato, parsley, almonds, mint, basil, lemon juice, and remaining oil.
• Toss until combined, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Set aside to allow the flavors to develop for at least 1 hour before serving.

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.

ORZO SALAD WITH LENTILS AND ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lentils and cook for 9 minutes, then add the orzo and cook until the lentils and orzo are cooked through but not mushy, another 10 to 12 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the oil, lemon juice and pepperoncini. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. If using small or medium zucchini, halve them lengthwise, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons. (If using large zucchini, quarter them lengthwise first, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick triangles.) Add to the dressing and stir to combine.
• Drain the lentils and orzo very well, then add to the zucchini, along with the pistachios and scallions. Stir to combine, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the herbs just before serving. Eat warm or at room temperature. (Salad keeps, refrigerated, for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature and adjust seasonings before eating.)

LENTIL AND ORZO SALAD WITH ROASTED CAULIFLOWER, CHARD AND HERBS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with some salt and pepper. Roast until tender and charred in places, about 20 minutes. Let cool.
• In a large bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, chard leaves and stems, lentils, orzo, olives, parsley, dill and mint. Add the lemon zest and juice, red pepper flakes, the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Fold to combine and serve.

CURRIED LENTIL, WILD RICE AND ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• In large pot of boiling salted water, cover and cook wild rice for 10 minutes.
• Add lentils; boil for 20 minutes. Add orzo; cook just until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and transfer to large bowl. Add currants and onion.
• Dressing: In small bowl, whisk together vinegar, cumin, mustard, sugar, salt, coriander, turmeric, paprika, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and cayenne; whisk in oil. Pour over rice mixture and toss gently.
• Let cool; cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.) To serve, sprinkle salad with almonds.