Orzo Salad With Basil Sherry Vinaigrette 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 PARMESAN AND BASIL

Steps:

• Melt butter in heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo and saute until lightly browned.
• Stir in chicken stock and bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 - 20 minutes.
• Mix in Parmesan cheese and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to shallow bowl. Garnish with basil sprigs.

SPINACH AND ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in spinach, feta, onion, pine nuts, basil and white pepper. Toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Refrigerate and serve cold.

ORZO SALAD WITH BASIL-SHERRY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• To make Basil-Sherry Vinaigrette:.
• Whisk together the oil, sherry, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
• Stir in the remaining ingredients.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4 days.
• Whisk or shake before serving.
• To make the orzo salad:.
• Place the ear of corn on a microwaveable dish covered loosely with waxed paper. Microwave on high until hot, about 2 minutes. (If using frozen corn, cook according to package instructions. Drain well.) Set aside to cool.
• Bring a small saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well. Rinse with cool water; drain again.
• When the corn has cooled, cut the kernels off the cob. (It's best to cut or break the ear in half. On a cutting board, hold the cob upright. Using a sharp knife, slide the blade downwards, letting the kernels fall on the board, rotating the cob a quarter turn at a time until all the kernels are removed.).
• In a medium bowl, toss together the pasta, corn, and tomatoes. Add ¼ cup of the vinaigrette and toss again.
• Refrigerate the salad and the remaining vinaigrette in separate covered containers for at least 2 hours or for up to 2 days. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.
• Toss salad with an additional 1/4 c vinaigrette just before serving. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired.
• Spoon the salad onto lettuce-lined salad plates and garnish with basil sprigs.
• Do as the Italians do and include this dish among an assortment of antipasti. Or you can serve it as a light lunch or as an out-of-the-ordinary accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken.

ORZO SALAD WITH CITRUS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Fill a stockpot 3/4 full with salted water. When water comes to a rolling boil, add orzo. Cook until al dente, or according to package directions.
• Drain orzo and cool on a baking sheet.
• Make the vinaigrette. When orzo is at room temperature, toss with tomatoes and cilantro. Dress with vinaigrette.
• In medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, mustard, zests, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until mixture has emulsified. Vinaigrette can be made up to 3 hours ahead, covered and chilled. Bring to room temperature and stir before serving.

ORZO WITH PARMESAN & BASIL

Steps:

• In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, saute orzo in butter until lightly browned, 3-5 minutes. , Stir in broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender, 10-15 minutes. Stir in the cheese, basil and pepper. If desired, top with fresh basil.

GREEK STYLE ORZO SALAD WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
• Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a medium-size bowl.
• While pasta is still hot, stir in the rest of salad ingredients and dressing to taste.
• Salad is good immediately while still warm, or also chilled or at room temperature.