Orzo Ham Salad Recipes

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

ORZO WITH HAM AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat broiler and lightly oil a flameproof 3-quart shallow baking dish (2 inches deep).
• Cook orzo in a 6-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta cooking water, then drain orzo in a colander. Toss hot orzo with remaining ingredients, reserved cooking water, and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl until cheese is melted.
• Transfer orzo mixture to baking dish and broil 2 inches from heat until lightly browned, about 4 minutes.

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain well. Rinse with cold water and drain well again.
• Combine orzo, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, and Asiago cheese in a large bowl.
• Whisk garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette. Drizzle over the orzo mixture and toss lightly to combine. Add basil and parsley and mix well. Let sit for 20 minutes for flavors to blend, stirring occasionally.

CREAMY ORZO WITH HAM AND PEAS

Steps:

• Bring a heavy large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender,about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, and saute until tender, about 2 minutes.
• Add the ham and cook until they are heated through, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the half and half and peas. Add the orzo and toss to coat.
• Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Parmesan to the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
• Stir in some reserved cooking liquid until pasta is desired consistency.
• Season the orzo with salt and pepper, and serve.

ORZO SALAD WITH BLACK BEANS & CORN

Steps:

• Cook the orzo in plenty of rapidly simmering water until al dente. Just before it's completely done, add the corn to the water and cook for a minute or so longer. Drain and rinse until cool, then drain well again.
• While the orzo and corn are cooking, combine the remaining ingredients in a serving container. Add the cooked orzo and corn and toss together. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

ORZO HAM SALAD

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, 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 11 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water in a colander set in the sink.
• Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, Dijon and yellow mustard, chives, sugar, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
• Place the cooked and cooled pasta, ham, red onion, green pepper, and tomatoes in a large bowl. Toss together with the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.