Orzo Ham Salad Recipes

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.

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.

ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Toss the butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread the squash into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the squash is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• While the squash is cooking, cook the orzo in the boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the vinegar, honey, lemon zest and juice, 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large bowl. Toss in the orzo, squash, cranberries, almonds, dill and scallions until everything is coated. Serve in a large bowl, or transfer to 8-ounce mason jars with lids for easy traveling. Serve at room temperature.

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.)

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.