Light And Refreshing Sesame Orzo Salad Recipes

LIGHT AND REFRESHING SESAME ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo pasta in boiling water for about 4 minutes.
• Rinse with cold water and drain.
• Place in a large bowl.
• In a liquid measuring cup with a spout, mix the dressing ingredients together.
• Slice the water chestnuts if they weren't presliced, and then cut the slices into quarters to make small pieces.
• Add these to the bowl with the pasta.
• Add the broccoli, onions, bell pepper, peas, carrots, and sprouts to the bowl, and mix gently but thoroughly.
• Add the dressing and mix again.
• Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
• Before serving, stir the salad up to remix it, and sprinkle sunflower kernals on top.
• Thinly slice the orange and then cut the slices in half.
• Stand these up around the edge of the bowl as a garnish.
• Serve cold or at room temperature.

REFRESHING SUMMER ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo pasta, and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well, then pour the orzo into a bowl, and toss with the butter to keep it from sticking; set aside.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, and cook until the garlic softens and the aroma mellows, about 2 minutes. Stir in the basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, and pine nuts. Cook and stir until the pine nuts have toasted to a light golden brown.
• Stir the pine nut mixture into the orzo along with the olives, capers, feta cheese, spinach, and lemon juice. Serve either warm or cold, but it's better the next day.

ORZO SALAD WITH SESAME DRESSING

Steps:

• To make dressing: add all dressing ingredients to the container of an electric blender; process until smooth; set aside.
• Cook the orzo in boiling salted water to cover for about 8 minutes or until tender; drain, rinse, and drain again.
• In a mixing bowl, toss the orzo and 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
• Spoon half the orzo mixture into a large glass serving bowl; spread evenly.
• Top with half the carrot strips, raisins, and sunflower kernels.
• Repeat layers.
• Drizzle 1 cup Sesame Dressing over the top.
• Sprinkle the parsley and green onion evenly over the top.
• Serve with the remaining Sesame Dressing.