Did you know that orzo salad is a pasta dish?
In our house, Orzo is huge. A macaroni product that cooks in minutes and is a great addition to salads, soups and side dishes.
For those unfamiliar with orzo, it’s pasta that looks like a large grain of rice. My youngest daughter loves to cook up a portion, add some salt and butter and enjoy it for lunch. Simple, no frills and a start to your culinary education.
Orzo – A blank canvas
I think of orzo as a blank canvas to create wonderful salad recipes like my Seafood Orzo Salad or my Carrot Orzo Salad.
Start with a box or bag of cooked orzo, allow to cool to room temperature, add some veggies, protein, herbs and spices and create your own master recipe. This is an easy orzo recipe. Consider it a starting point.
Then I’ll offer you a selection of ingredients that go well together to give you some ideas, but I encourage you to play around with your own favorite foods to come up with your own.
Grilled salmon with orzo
Last night we made my wife’s recipe for Grilled Salmon Steaks with Lemon and Dill and created a side dish using orzo and some ingredients from the fridge and pantry.
For the record, I call them “grilled” salmon steaks, but they are roasted or baked salmon steaks prepared on the grill. The steaks sit on cedar planks, but the fish is cooked using indirect heat.
We needed a side to go with the salmon, so we came up with this easy Orzo Salad recipe. With roasted tomatoes straight from the freezer, black olives, fresh olive oil and a little salt and pepper, you have a great, quick and easy meal.
Better yet, take the leftover salmon, break it up into bite-sized pieces and add it to the leftover orzo salad and you have a seafood orzo salad that can’t be beat.
What is orzo?
Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like grains of rice. It is made from durum wheat flour and water and is usually cooked by boiling it in water until tender. Orzo is often used in soups, salads, and other dishes to replace rice or grains.
It’s a versatile ingredient that can be flavored in a variety of ways and pairs well with a variety of different ingredients. Some well-known dishes that contain orzo are pasta salads, minestrone soup, and pilaf.
How do you cook orzo?
Orzo is a type of pasta and is therefore prepared in a similar way to other types of pasta. To prepare orzo you will need the following ingredients:
- orzo
- water
- salt (optional)
To prepare orzo:
- First, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt if you like.
- Then place the orzo in the boiling water.
- Cook the orzo according to package directions, typically for about 8-10 minutes or until tender.
- Drain the orzo in a colander, then return it to the pot.
- Use the orzo however you like in your recipe, or toss it with a little olive oil or butter to keep it from sticking together.
That’s it! Orzo is a quick and easy-to-prepare pasta that can be used in a variety of dishes.
How to make a Greek Orzo Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring salted water to a boil in a saucepan and cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain orzo and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and red onions.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, basil, and oregano in a small bowl – season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve the orzo salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
This Greek Orzo Salad makes a refreshing and flavorful side dish or light lunch. You can also add other ingredients like chopped cucumbers, olives or peppers for extra flavor and texture.
How to Prepare an Italian Orzo Salad?
Here’s a recipe for an Italian Orzo Salad with orzo, veggies, and a tangy vinaigrette:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain orzo and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese (if using).
- Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, basil, mustard, and oregano in a small bowl – season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve the orzo salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
This Italian Orzo Salad makes a colorful and flavorful side dish or light lunch. You can also add other ingredients like olives, chopped cucumbers or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.