Springorzosalad Recipes

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the orzo pasta according package instructions (mine took about 8 minutes). Drain and cool briefly.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the grape tomatoes, green onions, bell peppers, parsley, dill, olives and capers (hold the feta for now). Add the orzo pasta.
• Make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined and the orzo pasta is well coated with the dressing.
• Top with pieces of creamy feta cheese. Cover and refrigerate for a bit before serving.

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

SPRING ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk lemon zest, juice, water, oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl until blended.
• Add onions and let stand while pasta cooks.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
• Add pasta, return to a boil and cook as package directs; stir in asparagus and carrots 3 minutes before pasta will be done.
• Cook until pasta and vegetables are just firm-tender.
• Drain and rinse under cold running water; drain again.
• Put in a bowl with dressing.
• Add mint or dill or parsley to mix and coat.

SPRING ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse under cold water, and drain. Set aside.
• Coat nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and place over medium heat. Add shallots, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until shallots are soft. Raise heat to medium-high, stir in mushrooms, and cook 5 minutes.
• Add asparagus, and cook 3 to 4 minutes more, or until asparagus are crisp-tender. Stir in peas, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.
• To make Vinaigrette: Whisk together all ingredients in small bowl until emulsified. Place pasta, vegetables, and vinaigrette in large bowl, and stir to combine. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if desired.

SHRIMP AND ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add shrimp and seasoning; cook until shrimp are bright pink on the outside and meat is opaque, about 5 minutes. Remove shrimp from the water and set aside in a bowl.
• Pour orzo into the seasoned water and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain and add to the bowl with shrimp. Store in the refrigerator to cool.
• Combine mayonnaise, dill, parsley, basil, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and white pepper together in a bowl. Mix well. Taste and adjust if needed.
• Remove shrimp and orzo from the refrigerator. Add cherry tomatoes and dressing; stir well. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.